Delhi Chokes on Diwali Day: AQI Plunges to ‘Severe’ Category Amid Toxic Air; GRAP II Curbs Imposed

Delhi Chokes on Diwali Day: Delhiites woke up to the choking air on Diwali and the pollution levels went high again.

On Monday morning the Air Quality Index (AQI) had fallen into the severe bracket and the readings at India Gate were 347 as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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Officials advised that the condition might continue to deteriorate since fireworks after Diwali and a lack of wind.

In the meantime, Stage II of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP II) has also gone into effect on Sunday evening with the air quality becoming very poor. Stage I measures that had been in operation since October 14.

Under 24 monitoring stations in Delhi, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that 38 of the 38 places were in the very poor category of air quality on Sunday night.

According to the forecast of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this tendency may be maintained during the whole week, and the air quality will continue to be classified as severe on Tuesday, right after Diwali. The rise in pollution has brought out the issue of health of the people and the susceptible groups such as children and the aged are especially vulnerable.

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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), in its turn, has advised all implementing agencies to remain in high alert pertaining to dust control, in particular, and adhere to deadlines identified in the overall policy of air pollution in the region.

The rush is preceded by the recent directive of the Supreme Court that legalizes the use of green firecrackers in the capital of Delhi-NCR but only in limited times - 6 am -7 am, and 8 pm-10 pm - and a sales period spanning 18-20 October.

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