Delhi Pollution: On Diwali day, Thursday (31 October), the air of Delhi became extremely poisonous. The air quality here was recorded in the 'very poor' category. Along with this, there is a possibility of it reaching the 'severe' category due to burning of firecrackers at night.

People in Delhi woke up on Thursday morning to a thick blanket of smog covering the sky. The air in Anand Vihar in the national capital was the most polluted and the AQI was recorded in the 'severe' category. The city's 24-hour average air quality index was recorded at 328 at 4 pm, up from 307 on Wednesday, when Chhoti Diwali was celebrated.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the sky was clear and sunny on Diwali day in 2023. The AQI was recorded at 218 while it was 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017 and 431 in 2016.

Last year, due to less stubble burning incidents, rain before Diwali and favorable weather conditions, the national capital was saved from turning into a 'gas chamber' after the festival. According to the data, the level of pollutant PM 2.5 was recorded at 145 micrograms per cubic meter at 3 pm. PM 2.5 are microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and cause health problems.

What is the situation in NCR
Like the last four years, this year too the government has announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in Delhi. The air quality in Delhi's neighbouring areas like Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Greater Noida and Noida was slightly better and was recorded in the 'poor' category.

In contrast, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Faridabad's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category at 181. Out of Delhi's 40 monitoring stations, 38 recorded air quality in the 'very poor' category.

Fireworks are banned
Earlier on the eve of Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had announced that 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers in the national capital. He said officials are in touch with resident welfare associations (RWAs), market associations and social organisations to spread awareness. Police teams have been formed to ensure that firecrackers are not burnt.

According to officials, "Legal action will be taken against those found burning firecrackers. They can also be booked under relevant sections of the BNS (Indian Justice Code) for violating government orders."