Diwali is just around the corner, and while preparations are in full swing, Delhi’s air quality is far from ideal. On Tuesday, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 201, placing it firmly in the “poor” category. According to the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), the AQI is likely to remain poor through this week, with forecasts suggesting it could even touch “very poor” levels in the coming days.
This marks the first time since June 11 that Delhi’s air quality has crossed the poor threshold, when the AQI had reached 245. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board reported an AQI of 169 at 9 am, which climbed to a 24-hour average of 189 by 4 pm a 22-point rise from Sunday’s 167.
Lower temperatures, slower wind speeds, and stagnant air trap pollutants near the surface. The season also coincides with stubble burning in neighboring states and Diwali festivities.
Mahesh Palawat of Skymet Meteorology noted that wind speeds have dropped to 6-10 km/hr, with westerly to northwesterly winds bringing only marginal stubble smoke. With weather conditions expected to remain unchanged, Delhiites are urged to take precautions as the festive season begins.
