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Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: AQI Hits 351 Amid Post-Diwali Pollution Spike

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to very poor levels with an AQI of 351 following Diwali celebrations. Bawana recorded the worst pollution at 424 AQI, falling into the severe category. Health experts are particularly concerned about vulnerable groups including children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have implemented GRAP Stage-II measures across the NCR to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Very Poor at 351 AQI After Diwali

  • Delhi's overall AQI reached 351 in very poor category on Tuesday
  • Bawana recorded severe pollution levels with AQI of 424
  • GRAP Stage-II action plan implemented across NCR region
  • Health experts warn children and elderly to avoid outdoor activities
  • Post-Diwali pollution spike affects vulnerable respiratory patients
  • Multiple areas including Mundka and Punjabi Bagh show high pollution levels
3 min read

Delhi's air quality in very poor category, overall Air Quality Index at 351

Delhi's air quality remains very poor with AQI at 351 post-Diwali. Bawana records severe pollution at 424 AQI. Health experts warn vulnerable groups to take precautions.

"As winter approaches every year, we see the AQI start to rise because as the air cools, the wind speed decreases, and cold air does not rise, causing pollution to accumulate at lower levels. - Dr. Nikhil Modi"

New Delhi, October 21

Delhi's air quality was in the "very poor" category on Tuesday, a day after Diwali, with Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) II norms already in force.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 351 as of 4 pm today.

Bawana recorded an AQI of 424 and remains the only area with air quality that falls under the 'severe' category. AQI in Anand Vihar stood at 332, Ashok Vihar 373, Burari Crossing 388, IGI Airport (Terminal 3) 295, ITO 349, Lodhi Road 334, Mundka 380, Najafgarh 312, Narela 363, Patparganj 320 and Punjabi Bagh 399.

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas' (CAQM) sub-committee on GRAP comprehensively reviewed the air quality scenario in the region as well as the meteorological conditions and air quality forecasts on Sunday and took a call to invoke the 12-point action plan as per Stage-II of the extant GRAP in the entire National Capital Region in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality.

Health experts have raised concerns about the rising Air Quality Index (AQI) and its impact on vulnerable groups, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.

Dr. Nikhil Modi, Respiratory Medicine Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, explained the seasonal factors contributing to the spike in pollution.

"As winter approaches every year, we see the AQI start to rise because as the air cools, the wind speed decreases, and cold air does not rise, causing pollution to accumulate at lower levels. Before Diwali, we started seeing that the AQI was rising, and after Diwali, it was expected that the AQI would rise further. As soon as pollution increases, people with allergies and lung problems face issues like difficulty in breathing, coughing, watery eyes, and other symptoms," Dr. Modi said.

"To protect yourself, we must take preventive steps and have our medicines if there is an allergy or breathing problem. Children and elderly people should avoid going outdoors and wear masks whenever they go out," he added.

Dr. Dhiren Gupta, Co-Director and Paediatric Pulmonologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, also highlighted the severe impact of pollution on children and pregnant women.

"Organs of children are delicate, and anything that affects delicate organs is more harmful. Pollution is detrimental to those suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems. If a normal person breathes in highly polluted air, changes occur in their lungs that can lead to pollution-induced asthma. Pollution affects pregnant women but also children. The biggest problem is vehicular pollution," Dr. Gupta stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Every year same story - GRAP, committees, meetings, but no real solution. The stubble burning from neighboring states continues unabated. We need permanent solutions, not just temporary measures during winter months.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi from Canada last year, the air quality here is shocking. My asthma has worsened significantly. I've invested in multiple air purifiers for my home, but what about people who can't afford them? This is a public health emergency.
A
Arjun K
While firecrackers contribute, let's not ignore the daily pollution sources - vehicles, construction dust, industrial emissions. We need better public transport and stricter enforcement against polluting vehicles. Metro expansion should be prioritized.
N
Nikhil C
Respectfully, we also need to look at our own habits. How many of us are ready to use public transport instead of personal cars? How many construction sites follow dust control norms? Change has to come from both government and citizens.
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Kavya N
My elderly parents are finding it difficult to breathe. We've stopped their morning walks completely. This is no way to live! The government should declare school holidays when AQI crosses 300 to protect our children. 🏫❌
M
Michael C
Working in Gur

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