A day after Diwali, Delhi saw only a marginal increase in pollution levels, providing a welcome relief from past years when air quality dipped to the “severe” category. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday morning was in the “very poor” category, but much lower than the toxic levels normally seen after Diwali.
Better air quality than in past years
Delhi’s overall AQI stood around 390 early on Monday, compared to last year’s post-Diwali average that had crossed the 450 mark. Officials credited stronger winds and timely implementation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage II for limiting the spike. The ban on firecrackers, strict monitoring of construction activity, and night patrolling helped prevent an extreme rise in emissions.
Haryana cities record ‘severe’ air quality
Though Delhi was able to remain under the “severe” threshold, two neighboring Haryana cities—Faridabad and Gurugram—saw alarming levels of AQI well above 420. Experts opined the pollution drift from firecracker consumption and local stagnant conditions further deteriorated air quality in these cities. The AQI in Faridabad reached 445 on Monday morning, ranking it among northern India’s most polluted cities.
Firecracker ban violation reports surface
Even after stringent curbs, some areas of Delhi and neighboring NCR regions saw illicit firecracker bursting late on Sunday evening. Official confirmations followed about multiple FIRs being lodged and fines being levied. Environmentalists, however, added that overall intensity was still a shade lesser compared to earlier years, owing to heightened public awareness and enforcement drives.
Partly positive weather helps the partial recovery
Meteorologists reported that moderate northwesterly winds dispersed some of the pollutants during the night, avoiding smog accumulation. They warned, though, that pollution may worsen mid-week as wind speeds decrease and temperature drops, triggering particulate matter to settle nearer the surface.
Authorities remain on alert
The Delhi government and pollution control boards have warned citizens, particularly children and elderly, to stay indoors during morning hours. Health professionals have again said even “very poor” air quality is dangerous for lungs. Authorities will revise GRAP curbs in days to come based on fresh air pollution data.
The marginal improvement in Delhi this year has delivered a guarded sense of relief to the city’s citizens, but the experts caution that consistent efforts and stringent compliance are important for long-term success in fighting post-Diwali pollution.
××××××××××××××
Telegram Link :
For latest news, first Hand written articles & trending news join Saachibaat telegram group
https://t.me/joinchat/llGA9DGZF9xmMDc1
