How is Delhi’s air after Diwali? Check today’s AQI

Delhi AQI Today: Surface winds blowing in the national capital on Saturday morning brought some relief from pollutants, leading to a slight improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI). According to the ‘Sameer’ app, Delhi’s AQI on Saturday morning was 290, which falls in the ‘poor’ category, while on Friday it was at 362.

What are the AQI status and categories?

AQI 0-50: Good
AQI 51-100: Satisfactory
AQI 101-200: Moderate
AQI 201-300: Poor
AQI 301-400: Very poor
AQI 401-450: Severe
AQI 450+: Very severe

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity

In Delhi, on Saturday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 17.1 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees above the average for this season. At 8:30 am, Delhi’s humidity level was 88%. According to the Meteorological Department, the sky is expected to remain clear throughout the day and the maximum temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius.

Increase in noise pollution due to firecrackers

Noise pollution increased significantly in Delhi on the night of Diwali. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), firecrackers were used heavily in many areas, due to which the noise level increased from 6 pm to midnight.

Impact on health: Incidents of burns and fires increased

More than 280 cases of firecracker burns were reported in Delhi hospitals, with Safdarjung Hospital registering the highest number of cases at 117. The Delhi Fire Service received more than 300 fire-related calls on Diwali, the highest in the last 13 years.

Difficulty in enforcing ban on firecrackers

The Delhi government had deployed 377 teams, but the impact of the ban was limited due to the easy availability of firecrackers in neighbouring areas.

How to stay safe?

As Delhi’s air quality deteriorates, experts suggest people with asthma and respiratory diseases stay indoors and use masks. Plan your day’s activities with AQI information to ensure health safety.

 

First Published – November 2, 2024 | 11:24 AM IST