Air Quality to Deteriorate Sharply Across Major Cities During Diwali

As Diwali approaches, India's major cities are bracing for a severe spike in air pollution, with particulate matter (PM2.5) levels expected to reach alarming highs. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has forecast a sharp increase in PM2.5 levels across Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata in the coming days, coinciding with festive celebrations. Delhi, in particular, is likely to experience a drastic deterioration in air quality, with IITM models indicating that it could deteriorate to "very poor" (around 400 AQI) after October 20.

Key Takeaways:

• Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to "very poor" (around 400 AQI) after October 20, with minimum temperatures dipping and wind speeds falling.
• PM2.5 levels are projected to peak on October 21, coinciding with festive firecracker activity and weather conditions that favor pollutant build-up.
• Delhi's PM2.5 levels have already touched 140 ôg/m, well above the safe limit of 60 ôg/m3, with air quality hovering in the "poor" range.
• In western cities like Pune and Mumbai, PM2.5 levels are forecast to rise sharply to 250-300 ôg/m3 around October 21.
• Southern and eastern metros, including Hyderabad and Kolkata, are also likely to experience a pollution build-up.
• Without a strong wind flow or rain to disperse particles, cities could witness one of the most polluted Diwalis in recent years.

Statistics:

• Delhi's PM2.5 levels have already touched 140 ôg/m, well above the safe limit of 60 ôg/m3.
• IITM models indicate a sharp increase in PM2.5 levels across major cities, with an expected peak on October 21.
• Pune and Mumbai are forecast to see PM2.5 levels surge to 250-300 ôg/m3 around October 21.
• Hyderabad's PM2.5 levels touched 170 ôg/m on Friday morning, while Kolkata's levels reached 172 ôg/m.

Sources:

• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) air quality forecast.
• Times of India reporting (October 15, 2022).

Note: The original text does not include a specific date for the Times of India reporting.