Post-Diwali smog chokes Delhi-NCR, air quality plummets severe levels
The National Capital Region was hit a worsening air quality situation following the post-Diwali smog, intensifying the ongoing battle against pollution. This incident exacerbated the already critical air quality in the area, prompting concerns about public health and safety.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several stations in the region reported alarming air quality readings. For instance, the Anand Vihar station recorded PM 10 at 500 and PM 2.5 at 473, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Similarly, the Bawana station saw PM 2.5 levels reaching 469, also in the ‘severe’ category, while the CO levels were at 78 in satisfactory levels. Additionally, the Dwarka sector-8 station reported PM 2.5 at 444, falling into the severe category.
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 area, air quality levels were also deemed ‘severe’, with PM 2.5 at 431 and PM 10 at 295. Similarly, the ITO station recorded PM 2.5 levels over 500, reaching the ‘severe plus’ category.
Furthermore, the AQI (Air Quality Index) in the region has been categorized as follows: 0-50 (‘good’), 51-100 (‘satisfactory’), 101-200 (‘moderate’), 201-300 (‘poor’), 301-400 (‘very poor’), and 401-500 (‘severe’).
This concerning situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address air pollution and protect the health and well-being of the residents in Delhi-NCR.