New Delhi, 09 November (H.S.): Delhi-NCR witnessed a rise in air pollution following Diwali celebrations, with thick smoke from firecrackers reducing visibility and worsening air quality across several areas.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 373 at 11.05 pm on November 8, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Noida recorded an AQI of 319, Ghaziabad 360, Gurugram 280 and Faridabad 297.

Several Delhi localities, including Alipur, Bawana, Burari, Chandni Chowk, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini and Vivek Vihar, recorded AQI levels above 400, falling in the ‘severe’ category.

The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that pollution levels could enter the ‘severe’ category from November 9 and remain high for the next few days.

Ahead of Diwali, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had imposed Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR as a precautionary measure.

The pollution situation has once again highlighted the challenges of controlling seasonal air pollution in the region. Despite restrictions, firecracker emissions and other pollution sources continue to affect air quality, raising concerns over public health and the need for stricter enforcement of pollution-control measures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar