Delhi Becomes World's Most Polluted City After Diwali

Delhi remained in the "very poor" category...

On Friday, 01 November 2024, the air quality in Delhi worsened as people defied a ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.

The bursting of firecrackers caused noise pollution and covered Delhi in smoke with residents flouting the restrictions till late night.

According to the data provided by the Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reached 359 at 6:30 am, which falls under the "very poor" category. The AQI on the morning of Diwali was at 328.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe, and above 450 severe-plus.

Levels of dangerous microparticles known as PM2.5 pollutants that enter the bloodstream through the lungs, increased 23 times.

Monitoring firm IQ Air said the pollutant levels topped 345 micrograms per cubic metre and rated Delhi, the worst in the world.

The AQI level in most of the 40 monitoring stations in the city remained in the "very poor" category.

Anand Vihar and RK Puram reported the worst air quality index of 395.

Burari Crossing (394), Sonia Vihar (392), Punjabi Bagh (391), North Campus (390), Bawana (388), Jahangirpuri (387), Rohini (385), Ashok Vihar (384), and Nehru Nagar (381) were some other places with the "very poor" air quality.