GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Oct: Delhi woke up to a blanket of toxic smog on Diwali morning, with the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 335, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The sharp rise in pollution levels followed widespread bursting of crackers across the national capital, despite restrictions, triggering both air and noise pollution.
Of the 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, most recorded AQI levels above 300. Anand Vihar (414) and Wazirpur (407) reported “severe” air quality, while Sri Aurobindo Marg (165) and DTU (198) remained in the “moderate” range.
The CPCB forecast warns that pollution levels are likely to worsen and slip into the “severe” zone by Tuesday and Wednesday. The Supreme Court had allowed the use of only green firecrackers this Diwali within specific hours — 6 am to 7 pm a day before Diwali and 8 am to 10 pm on the festival day.
In response to rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Sunday. The decision followed a review of IMD and IITM forecasts predicting further deterioration in air quality.
Under Stage II, authorities have stepped up mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, and strict inspections at construction sites to curb dust. Additional CNG and electric buses have been deployed to boost public transport, while entry of non-CNG and non-EV inter-state buses into Delhi remains restricted. RWAs have been directed to provide electric heaters to outdoor workers to prevent open burning of biomass.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly by using only green firecrackers and embracing traditional ways of celebration such as lighting diyas, making rangoli, and sharing sweets. “Diwali, the festival of lights, should be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace and harmony,” she said.
