Delhi Post-Diwali Air Quality Remains Poor

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) New Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 345 on the morning after Diwali. This is the worst of the season so far but better than the past three years.

Crux of the Matter

1. The level of PM10 reached a record high of 515 micrograms per cubic metre in Anand Vihar area of New Delhi.

2. 36 of the 37 air quality monitoring stations recorded the AQI in ‘very poor’ category.

3. The government’s air quality monitor, SAFAR, predicted that Delhi’s AQI could enter the ‘severe’ category between 1 am and 6 am on Monday, majorly due to firecracker emissions and stubble burning. 

4. Delhi’s air quality was reported to be better than neighbouring towns of Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Noida which had AQI of 375, 356, 352, 375 respectively.

Curiopedia

The National Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched in New Delhi on September 17, 2014, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The Central Pollution Control Board along with State Pollution Control Boards has been operating the National Air Monitoring Program (NAMP) covering 240 cities of the country having more than 342 monitoring stations. AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 “satisfactory” 101-200 “moderate”, 201-300 “poor”, 301-400 “very poor”, and 401-500 “severe”. Above 500 is “severe Above 500 is “severe-plus emergency” category. More Info

Curated Coverage

1. Economic Times – Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor’ post-Diwali, but AQI better than last 3 years 

2. Live Mint – Delhi gasps for air as AQI hits ‘severe’ level

3. Times Of India – Post Diwali, air quality drops to season’s worst in Delhi, better than last 3 years

#Environment #Health #Delhi #India #Pollution