- Delhi recorded most polluted Diwali eve in a decade.
- AQI worsened to 384 on Sunday morning post-Diwali.
- Stubble burning and calm winds fueled pollution surge.
Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali eve in a decade on Saturday as the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 369 on Saturday. On Sunday morning the condition worsened even more as the AQI shot up to 384 at 7 AM.
Despite being the most polluted eve, the Saturday AQI was down from 382 on Friday. The pollution level in the air is expected to rise further from Sunday with experts raised concern that Monday could be the most polluted day immediately after Diwali in many years.
The most polluted Diwali eve before thus year was recorded in 2016, where the AQI hit 404. On Saturday, stubble burning also spiked to its highest this season in Punjab and Haryana.
The count by ISRO's satellite rose for a 10th straight day on Saturday. Besides, the ground wind which helps in reduced pollution in the air also fell calm after sunset.