A day after Diwali, Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'hazardous' level

A day after the festival of Diwali, the air quality in the National Capital has dropped yet again only to be recorded under “hazardous” category, with the PM2.5 levels being recorded at 500 as of Thursday morning, and the PM10 levels recorded at 500 in several parts of the city. In many areas including US Embassy and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the air quality has been recorded at 999 in the Air Quality Index(AQI).

While a thick layer of smog has been engulfing in the National Capital for quite some time now, Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

On Wednesday, PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 134, while PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) level was recorded at 276 in Delhi.

Twenty-eight areas in Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality, six recorded 'very poor' air quality, while two areas recorded 'moderate' air quality, according to the CPCB data.

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The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology had said that the winds coming from north-westerly direction is bringing influence of biomass burning pollutants in Delhi-NCR which may continue to engulf the city, deteriorating the quality of air even further.

The Supreme Court on October 23, had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. Furthermore, the apex court had also allowed the manufacture and sale of only "green crackers"across the country to ensure emission less harmful chemicals in the air.

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(With ANI inputs)