Delhi-NCR is celebrating Diwali amidst hazardous air and anti-pollution measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP 2) that came into force on Sunday evening. (Image Source: Pinterest)
Delhi-NCR is celebrating Diwali amidst hazardous air and anti-pollution measures under Stage 2 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP 2) that came into force on Sunday evening when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital slipped into the "very poor" category and also reached the 'severe' level at certain monitoring stations.
On Sunday night, Delhi's air condition deteriorated further, with 24 out of the city's 38 air quality monitoring stations showing pollution levels in the "very poor" category, and Anand Vihar crossing into the 'severe' category with AQI levels breaching 400, as per CPCB data referenced by a PTI news agency report.
On Monday morning too, the AQI in the majority of the stations was above 300, and Anand Vihar and Wazirpur's AQI was 400-plus.
According to CPCB readings at 6 am on Monday, October 20, the worst AQI was recorded at the Anand Vihar station at 414, and the best air quality was recorded at the Sri Aurobindo Marg station at 158.
Further, 29 of the stations had a 'very poor' category AQI. At 10 am, the worst AQI was at Wazirpur at 419, and the second worst was at Anand Vihar at 411, and the best one was at Sri Aurobindo Marg (168).
Delhi AQI on Diwali evening: Delhi's AQI at 4 pm on Sunday was 296, in the "poor" category, as per the CPCB data. By 10 pm, AQI slipped into the "very poor" category and the red zone as it became 306.
Also Read: GRAP Stage 2 Restrictions in Delhi: AQI Hits ‘Very Poor’ Levels Ahead of Diwali
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) for Delhi-NCR as the air quality in the city deteriorated to the "very poor" zone on Sunday. Grap 1 was implemented on 14th October.
Twelve measures are taken as a precaution to cut down air pollution under GRAP stage 2: Of these, stricter implementation of the restrictions concerning diesel generator sets; prohibition of interstate buses (except EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel) from coming to Delhi; and raising parking charges to deter private transportation are crucial.
The Supreme Court during the last week allowed the bursting and sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali subject to certain conditions, an effect of which would be reflected in the Air Quality Index of the city. Green crackers are permitted for use between 6 am and 7 pm and 8 am and 10 pm on the eve of Diwali and during Diwali.
Delhi witnessed a maximum of 33.3 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above the season's average, and a minimum of 20.6 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above normal, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD has predicted mist on Monday morning, with the day's maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be approximately 33 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively.
