Day after Diwali, Delhi's air turns 'hazardous'

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the year the morning after Diwali as the pollution level entered "severe-plus emergency" category due to rampant bursting of toxic firecrackers, authorities said on Thursday.

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The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) PM 2.5 was recorded 805 at 6am today in the national capital.

Several areas in the city recorded AQI over 900, Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 and area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI).

The AQI was 286 at 7pm on Wednesday and went up to 405 at 8pm and further deteriorated to 514 at 9pm.

The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8pm to 10pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas in the national capital.

Several areas showed a spike in the air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels.

Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places.

The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order.

( With inputs from PTI)