Swiss air quality technology company IQAir reported that Delhi became the world’s most polluted city on Monday, with the concentration of PM 2.5 particles reaching alarming levels. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi soared to 514, considered ‘hazardous,’ surpassing the limit prescribed by the World Health Organisation by 20 times.
The decline in air quality is attributed to the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, where firecrackers were burst in violation of a Supreme Court order, exacerbating the city’s air pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 322 at 1.30 pm, a significant increase from the previous day’s 218 at 4 pm.
Anand Vihar recorded the worst air pollution with an AQI of 969 at 5 am, as per weather agency aqicn.org. The city government responded by ordering the closure of all primary classes and restricting truck entry. According to System of Air and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi’s air quality is expected to deteriorate further, hitting the ‘severe’ category from Tuesday to Thursday.
Despite a temporary improvement in air quality following light showers on November 10, Delhi’s pollution levels escalated on Diwali night. The ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi’ campaign by the Delhi government proved ineffective, leading to school closures until November 18. The Supreme Court had earlier directed north Indian state governments to halt stubble-burning and activate the smog tower in Delhi.
