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Air pollution

Air Quality Expected to Deteriorate Rapidly in Major Indian Cities During Diwali

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Diwali approaches, India's major cities are bracing for a potentially smoky festival season with air quality expected to worsen significantly in the coming days. According to forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 levels are likely to spike across Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata around October 21, coinciding with festive firecracker activity and weather conditions that favor pollutant build-up.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to 'very poor' (around 400 AQI) after October 20 (2am onward), as minimum temperatures dip and wind speeds fall, making it difficult for pollutants to disperse.
  • The bursting of firecrackers is likely to add to the already high load of emissions from vehicles and biomass burning, exacerbating the air quality situation.
  • Pune and Mumbai are expected to see PM2.5 levels rise sharply to 250-300 ôg/m3 around October 21, up from Friday's peak of 53 ôg/m3 in Pune and 48 ôg/m3 in Mumbai.
  • Ahmedabad, which recorded 66 ôg/m3 on Friday, could see the levels surge to 250-300 ôg/m3 during the Diwali period.
  • Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the 'poor' category till October 19, IITM forecasts.
  • Southern and eastern metros, including Hyderabad and Kolkata, are also likely to see a significant pollution build-up, with PM2.5 levels expected to surge further after Diwali night.

Statistics:

  • PM2.5 level in Delhi: 140 ôg/m3 on Friday (already above the safe limit of 60 ôg/m3).
  • PM2.5 level in Pune: 53 ôg/m3 on Friday (expected to rise to 250-300 ôg/m3 around October 21).
  • PM2.5 level in Mumbai: 48 ôg/m3 on Friday (expected to rise to 250-300 ôg/m3 around October 21).
  • PM2.5 level in Ahmedabad: 66 ôg/m3 on Friday (expected to surge to 250-300 ôg/m3 during Diwali).
  • PM2.5 level in Hyderabad: 170 ôg/m3 on Friday (expected to surge further after Diwali night).
  • PM2.5 level in Kolkata: 172 ôg/m3 on Friday (expected to surge further after Diwali night).

Sources:

  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
  • Times of India
  • Other local news outlets reporting on the air quality forecast for Diwali.

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