Delhi Celebrates Diwali Amid Toxic Air, AQI Hits 447

Strategic Insights -

As the festive season of Diwali begins, the national capital Delhi is grappling with poor air quality, with the AQI touching a alarming 447, prompting concerns from citizens and authorities alike. Actor Vaani Kapoor, who is in the city to celebrate with her family, took to social media to express her worries about the city's air quality, while the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region. The Supreme Court has also permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali with certain conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AQI in Delhi-NCR reached a severe level of 447, with four monitoring stations recording levels over 400, indicating "severe" air quality.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region with immediate effect.
  • The Supreme Court permitted the sale and bursting of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali with certain conditions.
  • Actor Vaani Kapoor expressed concerns about the city's air quality on social media, calling for a way to celebrate without dimming the air people breathe.
  • The AQI levels in Delhi-NCR are considered severe, affecting healthy people and seriously impacting those with existing diseases.
  • The CAQM has taken measures to reduce air pollution, including imposing restrictions on industries and traffic.

Statistics:

  • The AQI in Delhi-NCR reached a severe level of 447 (Bawana: 431, Burari Crossing: 404, Jahangirpuri: 407, Wazirpur: 408).
  • The AQI levels in Delhi-NCR are classified as follows: good (AQI 0-50), satisfactory (AQI 51-100), moderate (AQI 101-200), poor (AQI 201-300), very poor (AQI 301-400), and severe (AQI 401-500).
  • Four monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR recorded AQI levels over 400, indicating "severe" air quality.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, Delhi Celebrates Diwali Amid Toxic Air, AQI Hits 447