Air pollution: Delhi's AQI post-Diwali 642, almost double 2017's 367
PTI | Updated: Nov 8, 2018, 19:54 ISTHighlights
- The overall air quality index (AQI) Thursday was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642.
- On Thursday, the PM2.5 level was recorded more than eight times the permissable limit at 492 µgm-3.
- The PM10 level was recorded six times the permissable limit at 618 µgm-3, according to SAFAR.
A boy wearing pollution mask burns crackers during Diwali celebrations, in New Delhi, on Wednesday. PTI PhotoNEW DELHI: Delhi's pollution level post-Diwali nearly doubled in comparison to last year as people burst firecrackers before and after the Supreme Court stipulated time frame of 8 pm to 10 pm.
Inspite of the Supreme Court ban, people burst firecrackers during Diwali festival at Krishna Nagar in East Delhi on Wednesday night. TOI Photo
The overall air quality index (AQI) Thursday was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data.
In 2017, the AQI was recorded at 367, a day after Diwali, while in 2016 it was 425. The AQI this year was over 1.7 times that of 2017.
AFTER DIWALI: Polythene bags and puja material dumped near the Yamuna river bridge in Delhi on Thursday. TOI Photo
A "severe plus emergency" AQI essentially means that even healthy people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure. This air will seriously affect those with ailments, according to a SAFAR advisory.
On Thursday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded more than eight times the permissable limit at 492 µgm-3.
The PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) level was recorded six times the permissable limit at 618 µgm-3, according to SAFAR.
In 2017, official data showed the PM10 level reached 595 µgm-3 and PM2.5 was 407 µgm-3. India's official permissible PM2.5 limit is 60 µgm-3 while PM10 level is 100 µgm-3.
The sharp spike in pollution is caused by rampant burning of firecrackers that has led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility, authorities said.
The SAFAR had warned that even if partial toxic firecrackers as compared to last year were burnt, then the air quality would fall in the "severe" category.
The Supreme Court had allowed people to burst firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. The top court also allowed manufacture and sale of just "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals.
It had said police should ensure that there was no sale of banned firecrackers and in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station of the area would be held personally liable and this would amount to committing contempt of the court.
In certain places firecrackers were burnt before and after the set time frame, despite the Supreme Court's order.
The areas where the violations were recorded included Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens' Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka and Noida Sector 78.
Inspite of the Supreme Court ban, people burst firecrackers during Diwali festival at Krishna Nagar in East Delhi on Wednesday night. TOI Photo
The overall air quality index (AQI) Thursday was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642, according to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data.
Delhi records worst air quality of year after Diwali due to rampant bursting of crackers: Officials
Partly as a result of smoke from the firecrackers, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi jumped to 574 which falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category, according to data by the Centre-run SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research).
In 2017, the AQI was recorded at 367, a day after Diwali, while in 2016 it was 425. The AQI this year was over 1.7 times that of 2017.
AFTER DIWALI: Polythene bags and puja material dumped near the Yamuna river bridge in Delhi on Thursday. TOI Photo
A "severe plus emergency" AQI essentially means that even healthy people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure. This air will seriously affect those with ailments, according to a SAFAR advisory.
Delhi Police register over 550 cases and arrest more than 300 on Diwali night for violating SC order
Over 550 cases were registered and more than 300 people arrested on Diwali night for violating the Supreme Court's order on burning of fire crackers, officials said Thursday.
On Thursday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded more than eight times the permissable limit at 492 µgm-3.
The PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) level was recorded six times the permissable limit at 618 µgm-3, according to SAFAR.
In 2017, official data showed the PM10 level reached 595 µgm-3 and PM2.5 was 407 µgm-3. India's official permissible PM2.5 limit is 60 µgm-3 while PM10 level is 100 µgm-3.
Supreme Court allows sale of firecrackers, but with conditions
The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the sale and manufacture of "green" firecrackers which have low emission across the country. The bursting of firecrackers will be allowed till 10 pm on Diwali and for New Year and Christmas celebrations, bursting will be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am.
The sharp spike in pollution is caused by rampant burning of firecrackers that has led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility, authorities said.
The SAFAR had warned that even if partial toxic firecrackers as compared to last year were burnt, then the air quality would fall in the "severe" category.
The Supreme Court had allowed people to burst firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. The top court also allowed manufacture and sale of just "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals.
It had said police should ensure that there was no sale of banned firecrackers and in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station of the area would be held personally liable and this would amount to committing contempt of the court.
In certain places firecrackers were burnt before and after the set time frame, despite the Supreme Court's order.
The areas where the violations were recorded included Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens' Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka and Noida Sector 78.
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