• Source:JND
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Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Delhi and its adjoining areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to choke under heavy smog on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the red zone following a sharp deterioration in air quality after Diwali due to widespread bursting of firecrackers. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the capital recorded an overall AQI of 345, categorised as “very poor.”

Pollution levels were even higher in certain areas, with Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and Dilshad Garden recording AQI readings of around 380 at 6:15 a.m. Neighbouring cities fared slightly better but remained in the danger zone, Noida registered an AQI of 298 (“very poor”), while Gurugram recorded 252 (“poor”).

ALSO READ: Delhi AQI Update: National Capital Becomes World's Most Polluted City As It Chokes Post-Diwali

Out of Delhi’s 38 air monitoring stations, only three reported air quality in the “poor” category, with locations like DTU, IGI Airport, and Lodhi Road recording relatively lower pollution levels below an AQI of 300. Most other stations remained in the “very poor” range between 300 and 400.

Amid worsening air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had enforced Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on October 19. The measures under this stage remain in effect across Delhi to curb emissions and control further deterioration in air quality.

The CAQM in an official statement said, “Ensure water sprinkling along with use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.”

CAQM Guidelines 

1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed daily mechanical and vacuum sweeping of identified roads, along with regular water sprinkling, under GRAP Stage 2 measures.

2. It ordered an increase in parking fees to discourage the use of private vehicles and reduce traffic emissions.

3. Authorities were instructed to strictly enforce dust control measures at construction and demolition sites.

4. The CAQM called for an increase in the frequency of public transport services, including buses and metro trains, to promote cleaner commuting options.

5. It directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to avoid dependence on diesel generators.

6. The Commission also emphasized strict regulation of DG set operations across all sectors to conserve power and curb emissions.

Diwali AQI 

ALSO READ: Diwali Fireworks Push Meerut's AQI To 500; Shastrinagar Records Loudest Noise

Delhi witnessed its most toxic post-Diwali air quality in four years on Tuesday, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 675, far beyond the safe limit. The sharp deterioration followed widespread bursting of firecrackers, despite the Supreme Court’s two-hour restriction between 8 pm and 10 pm. While the BJP attributed the pollution surge to stubble burning in AAP-governed Punjab, local violations of the cracker ban also played a major role in worsening the capital’s smog.

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