Delhi-NCR chokes after Diwali: Dwarka, Mundka among top 10 places with worst AQI, breathing polluted air in capital city

Delhi-NCR is choking a day after Diwali as pollution levels spiked to hazardous levels. Delhiites woke up to a thick layer of smog blanketing the National Capital on Tuesday, October 21.

As several areas across Delhi-NCR suffer from deteriorating air quality, the city reported an AQI of 359, which falls in the very poor category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 10:40 AM. With over 33 million people at risk of respiratory infections due to high pollution levels, it's time to take a look at the areas across Delhi-NCR with the worst air quality as GRAP 2 rules take effect.

Top 10 areas of Delhi-NCR with worst pollution levels

• Wazirpur and Jahangirpuri stations recorded the worst air quality in the ‘severe’ category, with an AQI level of 408.
• Burari Crossing occupies the third rank in the list of top 10 localities in Delhi-NCR with abysmally high pollution levels, recording an AQI of 405.
• Shadipur station missed the severe mark by one point as it registered 399 AQI at rank 4.
• NSIT Dwarka also joined the list, taking 5th position.
• Ashok Vihar was not far behind, as it registered 391 AQI and settled at rank 6.
• Mundka is at rank 7 with 390 AQI.
• At the 8th spot, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium has an AQI of 374.
• The 9th position was occupied by RK Puram with 368 AQI.
• Aya Nagar joined the league with 366 AQI.

An AQI between 301 and 400 is considered very poor and those above 400 are termed as severe, as per CPCB parameters in a 500 AQI scale. While most of Delhi reeled under high pollution, some places recorded ‘poor’ air quality which is much better than the toxic levels in certain areas that pose health risk. Sri Aurobindo Marg at 257 AQI level and Sirifort at 275 AQI level were among the best places in Delhi-NCR with the lowest AQI.

The extremely high pollution levels come almost a week after the Supreme Court's historic ruling when it lifted a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale and burning of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. It permitted the use of only green crackers, which emit 30% less pollution than conventional crackers, during specified hours of the day for Diwali festivities. However, burning of crackers on Diwali brought implications for those already suffering from respiratory illnesses and asthma patients.