Delhi's AQI Soars: PM 2.5 31x Over Limit Post Diwali
Delhi experienced a concerning rise in air pollution levels on Monday, the aftermath of Diwali celebrations that included the unauthorized bursting of firecrackers, despite a Supreme Court ban and stern warnings. The air quality index (AQI) for the city remained in the ‘poor' category, with the concentration of PM 2.5 reaching alarming levels.
According to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the hourly PM 2.5 concentration hit a staggering 1,856 micrograms per cubic meter in east Delhi's Patparganj, surpassing the national 24-hour standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter by around 31 times. Other areas, including Jahangirpuri and Nehru Nagar, also recorded excessively high levels, indicating a widespread air quality crisis.
The spike in PM 2.5 concentration, particularly between midnight and 2 am, is anticipated to shift Delhi's average AQI from ‘poor' to ‘very poor' as the day progresses. The 24-hour average AQI rose to 275 (poor) at 7 am, marking an increase from Sunday's 4 pm reading of 218 (poor). This escalation is attributed to the rise in firecracker emissions during the Diwali festivities.
The IMD forecasts revealed that calm winds in the early hours of Monday could trap pollutants in the atmosphere until around noon. Subsequently, wind speeds of 4-6 km/hr are expected, aiding in the gradual dispersion of pollutants. The wind conditions were notably calm during Diwali, contributing to lower pollution levels leading up to the festival.
Notably, last year, Delhi witnessed a post-Diwali AQI of 302 (very poor), the lowest in the past seven years. The day's AQI on Diwali itself was 312 (very poor), but the city benefitted from strong winds that helped disperse firecracker smoke.
The IMD officials anticipate wind speeds of 4-6 km/hr with a northwesterly direction on both Monday and Tuesday. The weather forecast also includes a minimum temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius for these days.
It is imperative for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of poor air quality on health. Authorities are urged to enforce strict measures to address the sources of pollution and prevent a further deterioration of Delhi's air quality.
Click for more of the latest entertainment news, along with Web stories updates. Also, get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at SpeedNews
