Post-Diwali Fallout: Delhi's Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor,' Stubble Burning Adds to Woes

The air quality in the national capital continues to be a cause for concern, with Delhiites waking up to 'very poor' conditions on Wednesday morning, three days after Diwali. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi stood at 389 up to 7 am on Wednesday, indicating a minimal improvement from Tuesday's AQI of 397.

Several areas across the city recorded 'severe' air quality, with AQI levels soaring above 400. RK Puram at 417, Punjabi Bagh at 423, Jahangirpuri at 428, and Anand Vihar at 430 were among the severely affected areas. Visuals shared by news agency ANI depicted thick smog, causing a lack of visibility in various parts of the city.

Despite a ban on firecrackers, residents continued to burst them during Diwali, contributing to the worsening air quality. The combination of stubble burning in neighbouring states and vehicular emissions further exacerbated the pollution levels. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi predicts that the AQI is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category until November 17.

Meanwhile, data from the CPCB revealed that the Air Quality Index in the National Capital Region (NCR) also remained in the 'very poor' category, with neighbouring Gurugram recording an AQI of 386.

Satellite data detected 1,776 stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on Tuesday, with 44 and 176 incidents reported in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, adding to the air quality woes.

In contrast, Mumbai experienced 'moderate' air quality for the second consecutive day on Wednesday morning, according to the SAMEER app. However, certain areas in the city witnessed a decline, falling into the 'poor' or 'very poor' category.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data at 9:30 am on Wednesday showed an overall AQI of 197, indicating 'moderate' air quality. However, the CPCB data indicated that several areas, including BKC, Colaba, Byculla, Kandivali, Sion, Malad West, and Vile Parle West, reported 'poor' air quality, with AQI figures ranging from 243 to 275.

Thane reported 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 196, while Navi Mumbai reported 'poor' air quality with an AQI of 204. Chembur in Mumbai recorded 'very poor' air quality with an AQI of 307.

The data highlighted that PM 2.5 and PM10 were the most prominent pollutants in Mumbai. Thane faced a higher prevalence of PM10, while Navi Mumbai encountered challenges from higher levels of both PM 2.5 and PM 10.

Despite overall 'poor' categorization for Navi Mumbai's AQI, certain areas such as Kopripada, Kalamboli, Mahape, and Taloja reported 'moderate' air quality with AQI figures at 194, 178, 159, and 194, respectively.

The decline in Mumbai's AQI levels post-Diwali drew attention due to a breach of Bombay High Court directives on firecracker bursting on the festive day. The Mumbai police took action against 806 individuals, registering 784 cases for violating the court's directives. Noise pollution levels also surged during Diwali celebrations, with data from the Awaaz Foundation revealing levels ranging between 72 and 117 decibels, significantly surpassing permissible limits.