Pollution grips Delhi ahead of Diwali, AQI worsens in several parts of city; experts warn of 'severe pollution'
PTC News Desk: The pollution level seems to be rising in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali with the air quality continues to be deteriorating. Several parts of the city have recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in the 'poor and 'very poor' categories.
The air quality plunged further a day ahead of Diwali, with the Akshardham area recording an AQI of 426 - categorised as 'severe' - marking one of the highest pollution levels in the city this season, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Anand Vihar area followed with an AQI of 418. Barapulla reported an AQI of 290 on Sunday morning, falling under the 'poor' category.
In the National Capital Region, Ghaziabad recorded a "very poor" AQI of 324, while Noida (298) and Gurugram (258) remained in the 'poor' bracket.
Water sprinklers have been deployed at the India Gate in order to curb rising pollution levels. The area recorded an AQI of 269 on Sunday morning.
The surge in pollution levels is largely attributed to vehicle emission, which is the city's primary source of pollution, accounting 15.6%, according to Decision Support System.
The Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that Delhi’s pollution levels will remain largely unchanged over the next few days, with no signs of improvement as the city approaches Diwali — a period typically marked by worsening air quality due to firecracker use and stubble burning in nearby states.
Weather conditions have also remained stagnant, limiting the dispersion of pollutants. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5°C, slightly above normal, and a minimum of 19.6°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects clear skies on Sunday, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 33°C.
As pollution levels have entered the “severe” category in several areas, authorities are likely to step up anti-pollution measures in the coming days to curb the worsening air quality.
- PTC NEWS
