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Delhi chokes on Diwali night as pollution hits hazardous levels, one station records AQI of 1,521
Telegraph India • • world
Key Points:
- Air pollution in Delhi reached hazardous levels before midnight on Diwali, with one monitoring station recording an AQI of 1521 and 20 others in the severe category amid widespread firecracker use despite restrictions.
- Smoke from firecrackers caused dense haze, reduced visibility, and breathing difficulties across several neighborhoods including Pitampura, Burari, Mayur Vihar, and Lutyens' Delhi.
- The Delhi government had allowed green firecrackers only on November 7 and 8 during specific hours, but many areas reported continued bursting on Diwali night, exacerbating pollution levels.
- At 10 pm, 20 of 59 monitoring stations recorded severe air quality, with Sonia Vihar and Jahangirpuri among the worst affected; the city’s average AQI was 376, classified as very poor.
- Experts forecast worsening air quality due to unfavorable weather, vehicular emissions, Diwali firecrackers, and ongoing stubble burning in neighboring states, with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.
