Post-Diwali Relief: Delhi’s Air Quality Improves to ‘Poor’ from ‘Very Poor’

Days after the vibrant Diwali festivities, Delhi’s air quality showed signs of recovery on Friday morning, transitioning from the ‘very poor’ to the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 293, offering a glimmer of relief following a spike in pollution levels triggered by fireworks, vehicular emissions, and seasonal factors like stubble burning in neighboring states.

Despite this improvement, the air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) remains a mixed bag. Several monitoring stations reported persistent challenges, with areas like Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and ITO registering AQI levels above 300, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. Most alarmingly, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 403, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, signaling hazardous conditions that pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

In contrast, pockets of the NCR showed more promising results. Faridabad, for instance, recorded a ‘moderate’ AQI of 198, indicating relatively safer air quality compared to Delhi’s urban core. Other areas, such as parts of Gurgaon and Noida, also reported marginal improvements, though they remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ range, underscoring the uneven nature of the recovery.

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The post-Diwali pollution surge is a recurring challenge for Delhi, driven by firecracker use, cooler temperatures trapping pollutants, and agricultural residue burning in Punjab and Haryana. This year, despite stricter regulations on fireworks and awareness campaigns promoting eco-friendly celebrations, compliance was inconsistent, contributing to the initial deterioration in air quality. The CPCB and local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, with measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being activated to curb emissions through restrictions on construction, vehicular movement, and industrial activities.

Health experts continue to warn of the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to poor air quality, which can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and cardiovascular problems. Residents in severely affected areas like Anand Vihar have been advised to limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers, and wear masks to mitigate risks. Meanwhile, environmentalists are calling for stronger enforcement of pollution control measures and regional cooperation to address cross-border sources like stubble burning.

As Delhi takes cautious steps toward cleaner air, the partial improvement offers hope but highlights the need for sustained efforts. With winter approaching, when pollution levels typically worsen due to low wind speeds and temperature inversion, authorities face mounting pressure to implement long-term solutions to ensure the capital’s air remains breathable.

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