Delhi Air Quality Slips to Very Poor Ahead of Diwali

Delhi's average air quality settled in the very poor category on Sunday with an Air Quality Index of 376. A thick layer of smog covered the city and reduced visibility.

Pollution Levels

Out of 59 monitoring stations that recorded data on Sunday, air quality reached the severe category at 12 stations and the very poor category at 22 stations. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst air quality with an index of 463. The city average rose from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday, staying close to the severe threshold of 400. PM2.5 was the main pollutant in the capital.

Causes and Forecast

Experts blame the poor air on bad weather, Diwali firecrackers, vehicle smoke, and peak stubble burning in nearby states. The transport sector contributed 19 per cent to the pollution on Sunday, while stubble burning added 3.5 per cent. Forecasts show the air quality will turn severe on Monday and stay that way from November 9 for a few days.

Context

The Central Pollution Control Board classifies an air quality index between 301 and 400 as very poor and 401 to 500 as severe. Weather conditions like low wind speeds and poor ventilation trap these pollutants over the city.