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Diwali

Delhi Rings in Diwali Amid Toxic Air, Strict Curbs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Delhi-NCR's Diwali festivities are marred by hazardous air quality, prompting the city to implement Stage 2 of the Graded Action Response Plan (Grap 2). The Air Quality Index (AQI) has entered the "very poor" category, with 24 out of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution levels in the same category, and Anand Vihar reaching the "severe" zone. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Grap 2, introducing 12 preventive measures to mitigate air pollution, including stricter enforcement on diesel generator sets and restrictions on interstate buses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delhi's air quality worsened further on Sunday night, with 24 out of 38 monitoring stations recording pollution levels in the "very poor" category, and Anand Vihar entering the 'severe' zone with AQI readings crossing 400.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) across Delhi-NCR as the city's air quality slipped into the "very poor" category on Sunday.
  • 29 of the 38 monitoring stations were in the "very poor" category, with 1 station (Anand Vihar) recording AQI above 400 (severe) and 4 stations in the "poor" category.
  • The Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali with certain conditions, which could impact the Air Quality Index of the city.
  • Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 33.3°C, 0.9°C above the season's average, and a minimum temperature of 20.6°C, 2.2°C above normal, on Sunday.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mist for Monday morning, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 33°C and 21°C, respectively.

Statistics:

  • Number of stations above 400 AQI (severe): 1 (Anand Vihar)
  • Number of stations in "very poor" category (301-400): 29
  • Number of stations in "poor" category (201-300): 4
  • Number of stations in "moderate" or better (0-200): 1
  • Delhi's AQI at 4 pm on Sunday: 296 (poor)
  • Delhi's AQI at 10 pm on Sunday: 306 (very poor)

Sources:

  • CPCB data (Air Quality Index readings)
  • PTI news agency report (Anand Vihar AQI reading)
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD) (temperature forecast)
  • Hindustan Times (article on Delhi's Diwali celebrations)
  • Supreme Court (permission for green firecrackers)
  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) (Grap 2 implementation)

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