Delhi, NCR pollution highlights: Delhi witnesses best-ever Diwali day air quality in eight years

On Sunday, Delhi's AQI stood at 218 at 4 pm, the best in at least three weeks. THe improvement came in after the national capital witnessed rainfall in past few days and improved windspeed.

Delhi's improved AQI was the result of a surprise rainfall that brought respite from air pollution on Friday. Wind speeds were also favourable for the dispersion of pollutants.

To put this into perspective, Thursday's 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 437.

The city experienced 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality for two weeks starting October 28 with a suffocating haze lingering over the national capital during the period.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 312 on Diwali last year. The AQI was more severe over past years. In 2021, it reached to 382, in 2020 AQI was at 414, AQI was at 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017 and 431 in 2016, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwaly day in eight years on Sunday.

Delhiites experienced clear skies and abundant sunshine and the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 218 at 4 pm, the best in at least three weeks.

Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, on Sunday, said that due to strong wind, the pollution coming from other states is dispersing from the nationall capital. That's why the cities, AQI has worsened over past few weeks.

"An advisory was given to all the North Indian states from the Central government. We have also released an advisory so that elderly people and children are exposed to less pollution... For now one should avoid walks, as the level of pollution is higher during that time... At present, strong wind is blowing in Delhi, which is a good thing as pollution coming from other states is dispersing from Delhi and AQI is reducing," Bharadwaj told ANI.

Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, on Sunday, urged people to celebrate Diwali with diyas, instead of bursting crackers and making it difficult for people to breathe.

"I appeal to people in Delhi and nearby areas of Delhi. Diwali is a festival of diyas. Celebrate Diwali in a grand manner by lighting diyas but don't burst crackers and make it difficult for people to breathe because the festival is to spread happiness," Rai told ANI.

A smog tower follows the principle of home air purifiers, which are connected with small fans. THese fans are connected to a high-efficiency particulate air filter. The fan pushes the air through these filters that traps dust, particulate matter, etc.

The smog tower, equipped with thousands of filters and can be as high as twenty meters (66 feet), is designed to capture pollution particles and improve air quality in densely populated areas. Although the technology they rely on is simple, smog towers need a lot of maintenance. They are also costly to set up — the one serving the city’s iconic business center, Connaught Place, set up in 2021, cost about $2.5 million.

In its pre-Diwali advisory for people, Delhi government, asked people to wash their eyes with running water to minimise the impact of pollution. The government also asked people to perform regular gargles with lukewarm water, eat a healthy balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai, on Monday, said that the rainfall on Friday dispersed pollutants from the city air.

"The wind, too, picked up, helping cleanse Delhi's air of toxic matter. The showers reduced the extent of pollution in the city by 50 per cent -- from an AQI of 450 to 225. However, it's too early to say how long will be the impact of the showers on the city's air quality," said Gopal Rai.

Delhi's Najafgarh zone has the highest number of biomass burning as 95 challans were issued in the zone, according to the MCD report. Biomass burning is widespread, especially in the tropics.

Amid severe air pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), on Saturday, released an ‘action taken’ report on open burning. According to the report, 383 challans were issued for open burning violations and 823 challans were issued for violations at construction and demolition (C&D) sites.

Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the ‘poor’ category in the national capital on Sunday morning, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

There was a slight improvement in Delhi's air quality on Saturday after it rained on Friday.

A stringent enforcement of the ban on firecrackers can bring the gift of the best air quality on Diwali day in eight years for Diwali on Sunday. Delhites woke up to clear skies and abundant sunshine, and the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 202 at 7 am, the best in at least three weeks.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 ‘severe plus’

THe Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, on Sunday, appealed to the people to not burst firecrackers and light Diya in Delhu and its adjacent area.  The environment minister urged the people to instead celebrate the festival in a grand manner by lighting earthen lamps (diyas).

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi health department advisory issued on November 11 states, “Avoid places with high air pollution like slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries, construction/demolition sites, etc. Avoid outdoor morning and late evening walks, jog, run, physical exercise, specifically during days with severe AQI."

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pollution forecast the relief from ‘severe’ air quality might be temporary which has been in the ‘poor’ category following light showers on November 10. The forecast for next six days predicted that pollution levels may increase post Diwali and will range in ‘very poor’ category on November 12 and will further move to ‘severe’ category on November 13 . 

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Between November 2 and November 9 this year, Delhi experienced its lengthiest and most intense period of air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently exceeding 390 for eight consecutive days.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Scientist at IMD, Kuldeep Srivastava said said dispersal of pollutants will continue with increased wind speed. He said, “We saw the impact of the western disturbance, which is influencing northwest India, on Friday. This is what led to this rain spell and from Saturday onwards, moisture in the air will reduce and the air will become colder and drier.” 

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to Central Pollution Control Board post on social media platform X, bursting of firecrackers causes irritation in the eyes, and creates anxiety and a feeling of panic among patients with neurological issues.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: A resident of Delhi and mother of 18-month old girl, Arshi Wasim said, “She coughs non-stop,” who suffers from pneumonia. She added, “She doesn't take milk or even water because her lungs are choked. Sometimes we have to give her oxygen and rush her to the doctor two or three times a day,” reported AFP.

Paediatrician Seema Kapoor said patient inflows had risen steadily with 30 to 40 percent patients suffering from respiratory diseases since the weather cooled that trappend pollutants closer to the ground.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: A paediatric pulmonologist, Dhulika Dhingra said, “Children can't sit in one place, they keep running and with that, the respiratory rate increases even more. That is why they are more prone to the effects of pollution.”

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to central government sources smog towers do not serve as a solution to reduce air pollution. During an emergency meeting attended by officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management, it was decided that no more giant air purifiers will be installed in the national capital. The Supreme Court on November 7 directed officials to make the smog tower installed at Connaught Place functional.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to a research led by IIT Bombay, smog tower installed in Connaught Place cleans air with 50% efficiency which drops to 30% while moving 50 metres away from the tower. The tower's efficiency further drops to 10% when one moves 500 metres away from it. Researchers also found that the tower filters were not tightly sealed that permitted polluted air to pass through filters.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Principal scientist at the New Delhi-based Indian Agricultural Research Institute Vinay Kumar Sehgal said that around Diwali expect a reduction in farm fires in Punjab and Haryana due to wet conditions following rainfall.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi government launched the 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' campaign on November 10 over concerns about rising air pollution again following Diwali.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to SAFAR data, regions including Delhi University, IIT Delhi, Airport (T3), Dhirpur, and Lodhi Road experienced 'poor' air quality with AQI at 269, 221, 239, 228 and 218, respectively. Locations such as Pusa, Mathura Road, Noida, Gurugram, and Ayanagar recorded 'moderate' air quality with AQI at 142, 159, 183, 169 and 159 respectively.

According to CPCB data, Anand Vihar recorded 'poor' air quality with an AQI of 266, Dwarka Sector-8 recorded an AQI of 221, ITO recorded an AQI of 231, Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 268, RK Puram recorded an AQI of 242, Rohini recorded an AQI of 215, Shadipur recorded an AQI of 264 and Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 248, all falling into the 'poor' category.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on November 101said, "The rainfall on Friday dispersed pollutants from the city air. The wind, too, picked up, helping cleanse Delhi's air of toxic matter. The showers reduced the extent of pollution in the city by 50 per cent -- from an AQI of 450 to 225. However, it's too early to say how long will be the impact of the showers on the city's air quality."

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi's ranks among the worst in the world's capital cities in terms of air quality. According to a report by University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), air pollution is shortening lives by almost 12 years in Delhi.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to Central Pollution Control Board, at around 7 am on November 12, AQI level in Anand Vihar was at 266, in RK Puram it was at 241, in Mandir Marg it was at 201, in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium it was at 206, in Wazirpur it was at 248, in Lodhi Road it was at 144, in Pusa Road it was at 119, in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium it was at 190, in Punjabi Bagh it was at 233 and in ITO area it was recorded at 227.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi government on November 10 announced the 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' campaign in the city amid concerns about rising pollution again after the Diwali festival.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on November 10 said, "Today, due to the rain and wind, pollution has reduced significantly. People of nearby cities are requested to light lamps and distribute sweets during Diwali but do not burst firecrackers. We want the pollution level to remain good even on the next day of Diwali. The campaign of 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' is starting from today."  

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi government issued an advisory today on the occasion of Diwali amid concerns over 'poor' air quality in the national capital. The advisory mentions general 'dos and don'ts' for the festival season and health concerns. The advisory urges citizens to avoid visiting places with high air pollution levels, such as slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries and construction-demolition sites. It also advises against burning of firecrackers, wood, leaves, crop residues and waste.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi recorded an AQI of 312 on Diwali last year, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017 and 431 in 2016.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi government led by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has imposed stringent ban on firecrackers which may ensure the best air quality on Diwali day in eight years for Delhi. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 202 at 7 am which is the best in the last few days post stubble burning incidents in neighbouring states since late October.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: The Supreme Court on November 7 expressed grave concern over the ‘hazardous’ air quality in the national capital and directed state governments to stop farmers from stubble burning forthwith in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh identifying it as one of the major contributors to air pollution. 

The latest figure of farm fire incidents in Punjab was much lower than what the state witnessed a few days ago when it crossed over 2000 on some days. Punjab on November 11 reported 104 farm fires, taking the total number of stubble-burning incidents to 23,730.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a partly cloudy sky with mist or shallow fog in the mornings for the next two days post-Diwali.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to CPCB data of 242 cities on November 11, no city across India registered ‘severe’ air quality, 11 cities registered very poor air quality, 35 cities registered poor air quality, 109 cities registered moderate air quality while 88 cities were in the satisfactory to good range.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: According to Central Pollution Control Board, at around 7 am on November 12, AQI level in Anand Vihar was at 266, in RK Puram it was at 241, in Mandir Marg it was at 201, in Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium it was at 206, in Wazirpur it was at 248, in Lodhi Road it was at 144, in Pusa Road it was at 119, in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium it was at 190, in Punjabi Bagh it was at 233 and in ITO area it was recorded at 227.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Delhi Police officials conducted patrolling in the Chandni Chowk market in the national capital on November 11, a day ahead of Diwali.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Manoj Kumar Meena said that the police deployment in market and other crowded areas of the district has been increased on the occasion of the festival and anti-terror measures have also been taken.

He added, "About 9-10 cases have been registered (by the police) and around 3500 Kg of firecrackers have been seized so far."

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Air quality in Delhi's neighbouring states had also deteriorated following an increase in the incidents of farm fires that has improved over the last two days. Haryana's Gurugram reported an air quality index (AQI) of 172, followed by 166 in Faridabad, 63 in Panipat, 169 in Bhiwani, 99 in Sonipat, 108 in Rohtak, 66 in Sirsa and 154 in Fatehabad.

In Punjab, Mandi Gobindgarh reported AQI at 278, followed by 138 in Bathinda, 143 in Jalandhar, 64 in Ludhiana and 81 in Khanna.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: The latest figure of farm fire incidents in Punjab was much lower than what the state witnessed a few days ago when it crossed over 2000 on some days. Punjab on November 11 reported 104 farm fires, taking the total number of stubble-burning incidents to 23,730.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: In Delhi, from November 1 to 10 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued 383 challans to violators for open burning of waste and other material. MCD also issued challans amounting to ₹1.72 crore over violations related to construction and demolition waste sites. Over 887 tandoors have either been removed or demolished as part of pollution control measures.

Delhi, NCR pollution LIVE updates: Air quality was registered in 'satisfactory' and 'moderate' categories at several locations across the national capital on November 12 morning. Punjab on November 11 reported 104 farm fires, taking the total number of stubble-burning incidents to 23,730.