Delhi chokes on toxic air ahead of Diwali after several areas record severe AQI, AIIMS at 402

PTC News Desk: Delhi’s air pollution is worsening ahead of Diwali. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 368 on Thursday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category and close to the ‘severe’ mark of 400. At least 18 monitoring stations across the capital recorded severe pollution levels.

Jahangirpuri was among the worst-hit areas, with an AQI of 459. Nauroji Nagar Ring Road recorded 416 and the area near AIIMS 402, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Other areas also reported high pollution levels, including IIT Delhi at 447, Punjabi Bagh at 446, Alipur at 437, Vivek Vihar at 434 and RK Puram at 416.

India Gate recorded an AQI of 399, just below the severe category, while Anand Vihar was relatively better at 296, in the ‘poor’ category.

On Wednesday, Delhi’s AQI had reached 377, its highest level since January 20, when it was 378. It was the city’s worst reading in 288 days, with 22 monitoring stations recording severe pollution.

Changing wind patterns could bring some temporary relief on Diwali. However, pollution may rise again the next day as winds weaken and pollutants begin to build up over the capital.

What is contributing to Delhi's pollution ?

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) showed that stubble burning contributed 20.2 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Wednesday, followed by transport emissions at 15.5 per cent.

Industries contributed 2.9 per cent, residential sources 3.8 per cent, construction 2.2 per cent, waste burning 1.3 per cent and road dust 1.1 per cent.

Pollution from nearby NCR districts also added to the capital’s burden. Ghaziabad contributed 7 per cent, Rohtak 3.8 per cent, Gurugram 2.7 per cent, Sonipat 2.2 per cent, Jind 1.8 per cent and Bhiwani 1.3 per cent. Other sources accounted for 28.5 per cent.