Anand Vihar’s AQI Reaches’Severe’ Levels on Diwali Morning; Special Teams Deployed to Enforce the Firecracker Ban

On Diwali morning, Delhi’s Anand Vihar recorded air quality dipping into the “severe” category, with pollution expected to worsen by Thursday evening. Authorities announced strict action against firecracker ban violations to curb emissions. As of 4 p.m., Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 307, up from 268 on Tuesday, with PM10 being the predominant pollutant, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, forecasts that air quality in the capital is likely to remain in the “very poor” range (AQI 300-400) through Thursday and Friday.

At 8 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an average AQI (PM10) of 419, with a peak of 500.

Elsewhere in Delhi, AQI levels mostly ranged from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor.’ However, in the event of increased emissions from firecrackers, stubble, or waste fires during Diwali, other areas may also enter the severe category. The Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management (AQM) predicts that if stubble burning mirrors past years, it could contribute 15-18% to Delhi’s pollution. Winds from the northwest may further carry smoke into the city, as reported by PTI.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR classifies air quality emergencies into four stages: Stage I: Poor (AQI 201-300), Stage II: Very Poor (AQI 301-400), Stage III: Severe (AQI 401-450), and Stage IV: Severe Plus (AQI above 450).

Current AQI readings:

1. Anand Vihar: 419
2. Ashok Vihar: 368
3. Burari Crossing: 353
4. Chandni Chowk: 301
5. IGI Airport (T3): 303
6. Jahangirpuri: 395
7. Mundka: 367
8. RK Puram: 384
9. Wazirpur: 396

Other parts of Delhi also recorded AQIs in’very poor’ and’severe’ categories. Delhi’s former Chief Minister and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal defended the firecracker ban, emphasizing that it’s necessary for public health and lacks any “Hindu-Muslim” context. He referenced guidance from the Supreme Court and high courts, which recommend avoiding crackers and lighting earthen lamps as Diwali is a festival of lights. Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that 377 teams are deployed to enforce the ban in cooperation with RWAs, market associations, and social groups to increase awareness. Delhi Police deputy commissioners have also established teams to ensure compliance in their districts.

Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather Services indicated that the wind shift from south-southeast to northwesterly could worsen pollution, as these winds carry smoke from stubble burning into Delhi. Firecracker emissions could further trap pollutants and exacerbate air quality.

The CPCB reported that out of 40 air-quality stations, Anand Vihar and Mundka AQIs remained’severe,’ exceeding 400. Alipur, Ashok Vihar, and other areas recorded’very poor’ AQIs, while Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Greater Noida, and Noida stayed in the ‘poor’ category. Faridabad, however, had’moderate’ air quality, with an AQI of 181.

Notably, on Diwali last year, November 12, Delhi recorded its best air quality in eight years, with an AQI of 218. PM10 particulate matter, small enough to enter the lungs, is linked to respiratory health issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

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Aryan GulatiFreelance Journalist

Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.

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