Diwali leaves Delhi air dirtier than before

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, after monitoring air quality at 40 locations, found that levels of harmful gases, like the oxides of nitrogen (Nox), sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air were higher on Saturday than last Diwali, reports HT Correspondents.

Pollution levels in Delhi remained high this Diwali.

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The Delhi Pollution Control Committee, after monitoring air quality at 40 locations, found that levels of harmful gases, like the oxides of nitrogen (Nox), sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air were higher on Saturday than last Diwali.

Nox levels were higher in 22 of the 40 locations surveyed, SO2 levels in 33.

“Bursting of imported crackers with higher sulphur content is a reason for more SO2 in the air,” said JS Kamyotra, member secretary, Central Pollution Control Board.

Janakpuri in west Delhi was the most polluted followed by Siri Fort in south Delhi and Shahdara in east Delhi.

“I think our campaign against pollution during Diwali did work because unlike in the past, this year firecrackers were burnt only on Diwali evening and not in the run-up to Diwali,” Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told HT. “But we have to see what quality of firecrackers was available this year.”

The noise — monitored at 10 locations — was louder than last year by a few notches in some areas.