New Delhi : A toxic haze blanketed Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning as Delhi pollution levels today soared, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 400 and slipping deep into the ‘very poor’ category, just a day after Diwali celebrations, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Despite repeated advisories and restrictions, firecracker smoke, stagnant winds, and stubble burning pushed pollution levels to alarming heights across the region. The overall AQI stood at 347, while several pockets touched the ‘severe’ zone, signaling dangerous air conditions.
Prominent Delhi localities recorded worrying figures: Narela (354), Mundka (357), Mandir Marg (325), Jahangirpuri (404), and Bawana (418) topped the charts, according to CPCB’s SAMEER app. Central areas like Lodhi Road (334) and ITO (345) weren’t far behind.
In Noida, the situation was similar, with AQI readings in sectors 125 (326), 62 (307), 1 (322), and 116 (340) all in the ‘very poor’ bracket. Gurugram too witnessed choking air, with the overall AQI at 338, and hotspots like Gwal Pahari (347) and Sector 51 (346) adding to the concern.
Although Delhi has banned firecrackers since 2020, this year the Supreme Court allowed limited use of green crackers from October 18 to 20 within specific time slots. Yet, widespread violations were reported as fireworks lit up the skies well beyond the permitted hours.
To counter the worsening conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), imposing curbs to control emissions and protect public health.
Residents, meanwhile, woke up coughing and teary-eyed, facing another post-Diwali morning under a blanket of smog.
–IANS
