No relief from pollution, Delhi air quality remains ‘very poor’

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday, with thick smog blanketing parts of the city for a sixth consecutive day following Diwali celebrations.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 358 at 8 a.m., with several areas in the capital registering even higher levels.

Alipur recorded an AQI of 372, Bawana at 412, Dwarka Sector 8 at 355, Mundka at 419, Najafgarh at 354, New Moti Bagh at 381, Rohini at 401, Punjabi Bagh at 388, and RK Puram at 373.

AQI readings between 200 and 300 are categorized as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 450 as ‘severe.’ Levels above 450 are classified as ‘severe plus.’

Adding to the environmental crisis, a thick layer of toxic foam was spotted in the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj.

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government on the widespread violation of the firecracker ban during Diwali.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih instructed the Delhi government to submit an affidavit detailing the actions taken to enforce the ban and curb pollution. The court expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of enforcement and demanded an explanation for the widespread disregard of the ban.