Air pollution: The national capital on Tuesday (November 14) continued to breathe toxic air falling under the ‘Severe’ category for the second day in a trot, following the Diwali celebrations in the city using firecrackers which was banned by the Supreme Court. Most of the areas in Delhi recorded AQI over 400 (Severe) with some localities witnessing ‘Very Poor’ air quality. The city had woken up on Monday with ‘Poor’ air quality, however, it dropped to the ‘Severe’ category by afternoon. A thick mist engulfed the city making the visibility short. The situation was none different today as the visibility remained low this morning.
AQIs in several areas
Various places in the national capital recorded ‘Severe’ air quality while some saw ‘Very Poor’ air, according to data by Central Pollution Control Board at 6 am.
- Anand Vihar: 355
- Ashok Vihar: 355
- Dwarka Sector 8: 404
- IGI Airport T3: 426
- ITO: 430
- Jahangirpuri: 428
- Mundka: 418
- Najafgarh: 388
- North campus DU: 403
- Punjabi Bagh: 410
- Pusa: 407
- RK Puram: 417
- Rohini: 417
- Wazirpur: 411
Air quality in NCR region
Noida witnessed similar air quality with most areas falling under the 'Very Poor' category.
- Noida Sector 125: 401
- Sector 62: 391
- Sector 1: 372
- Sector 116: 360
Gurugram recorded air quality in a similar fashion.
- Sector 51: 431
- Teri Gram: 390
- Vikas Sadan: 378
Gopal Rai reacts
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday said that the wind speed slowed down after Diwali and crackers were burnt yesterday as well, both leading to increase in the polluton in the city.
"Wind speed was expected to slow down after Diwali, and due to this smog situation has developed. After firecrackers were burst yesterday as well, pollution levels have gone up today as compared to yesterday," he said.
Supreme Court's firecracker ban
Despite the Supreme Court's ban on firecrackers to mitigate pollution, several parts of the national capital saw a violation of the order as residents celebrated Diwali by bursting fireworks.
The Supreme Court on November 7 had said that it order banning firecrackers containing barium binds every state and is not just limited to the Delhi-NCR region, which is reeling under severe air pollution.
"Sensitising common people about the harmful effects of firecrackers is the key. Ironically, nowadays children don't burst many firecrackers but elders do. It is a wrong perception that it is the duty of the court when it comes to pollution and environment protection. People have to come forward. It is for everyone to manage air and sound pollution," the bench had said.
(With ANI inputs)
