Air quality in Delhi continued to deteriorate on Sunday and remained in the ‘severe’ category in some parts of the national capital. For five consecutive days, the air quality has been in the ‘poor’ category and it has further sunk today – just a day before Diwali. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Akshardham recorded an AQI of 426 – classified as ‘severe’ – marking one of the highest pollution levels in the city. Anand Vihar followed closely with an AQI of 418, while Barapulla recorded 290, putting it in the ‘poor’ category on Sunday morning.
India Gate recorded an AQI of 269 and water sprinklers were deployed to combat rising pollution levels.
The increase in pollution is mainly related to increased emissions from vehicles, which are the city’s main source on Saturdays and contribute 15.6% of total emissions, according to the Decision Support System.
In the National Capital Region, Ghaziabad recorded a “very poor” AQI of 324, while Noida (298) and Gurugram (258) remained in the “poor” category.
The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts similar conditions in the coming days, with no immediate relief expected. As Diwali approaches, air quality may further deteriorate due to the use of firecrackers and stubble burning in neighboring states.
On the weather front, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 33.5 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 19.6 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees above normal.
The IMD has predicted clear skies on Sunday, with the maximum temperature likely to touch 33 degrees Celsius and minimum around 19 degrees Celsius.
Supreme Court allows green cookies
The Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the use and sale of green cookies, which are considered less harmful than traditional fireworks. A bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai allowed green biscuits from October 18 to 21, restricting their use to 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on those days.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Delhi-NCR Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Phase I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the AQI hovered between 201 and 300. In this phase, 27 preventive measures, including use of smog guns, water control, sprinkling and road maintenance and maintenance.
