Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continued to soar way above safe limits on the second day after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 335 as of 9 am on Wednesday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ zone, according to the data by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Most areas in the national capital stayed in the red zone, with AQI readings exceeding 300.
According to CPCB, an AQI between 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe.
Other metro cities show better air quality
Other major cities fared far better than Delhi. While Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad recorded AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category, Hyderabad and Pune were in the ‘moderate’ range. Chennai reported an AQI of 42, placing it in the ‘good’ category.
Delhi’s first ‘green Diwali’ in years
The pollution spike came as Delhi celebrated its first “green Diwali” in years. Ahead of the festival, the Supreme Court had permitted the use of green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region from October 18 to 20, but only during two time slots: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm. Despite this, many violations were recorded on the day, with bursting of firecrackers continuing outside the designated hours.
GRAP-II imposed to curb pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Sunday that Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi. The move came as pollution levels were expected to worsen due to weather conditions and continued firecracker use.
Stage II of GRAP is enforced when the AQI falls into the “very poor” category and mandates stricter measures to reduce pollution, such as imposing restrictions on construction work and the use of cars, among others.
