New Delhi wakes up to an air quality of ‘very poor’ category on Diwali morning

Residents of New Delhi woke up on Diwali morning to an air quality of “very poor” category, recording an air quality index (AQI) of 334 at 7am on Thursday. On Wednesday, the average AQI was slightly better at 314, also in the “very poor” category

Residents of New Delhi woke up on Diwali morning to an air quality of “very poor” category, recording an air quality index (AQI) of 334 at 7am on Thursday, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

A file photo of pollution and mist on National Highway 24 in New Delhi, India. New Delhi woke up to an air quality of ‘very poor’ category on Diwali morning on Thursday. (Arvind Yadav/HT File photo)

On Wednesday, the average AQI was only slightly better at 314, also in the “very poor” category.

The Capital city’s AQI is expected to cross 350 and be at the higher end of the “very poor” category later on Thursday, agencies forecast.

While the bursting of firecrackers will not be a major contributing factor to the worsening air quality, since it is expected to be under control, stubble burning is likely to have an impact as it could pick up from Thursday.

Its contribution to the AQI is expected to range from 20-40 until Saturday.

An increase in wind speed may give New Delhi welcome relief from Friday night onwards, with winds of 20-30 km/hr likely on Saturday and Sunday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Last year on Diwali, despite a blanket ban on firecrackers, an AQI of 414 - “severe” – was recorded, making it the second most polluted Diwali in six years.

However, Diwali was marked much later last year, on November 14, by when the impact of stubble burning was at its peak.