Delhi Pollution: Diwali celebrations across the country! 25,000 diyas (earthen lamps) were lit at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, and pollution in Delhi reached dangerous levels

Delhi Pollution: Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the country on Monday. Homes were illuminated with the light of diyas, and streets and buildings were decorated with colorful lights. 

The atmosphere was filled with devotion and joy, with prayers and the aroma of sweets in temples. For this special occasion, the clock tower at Lal Chowk in Srinagar was decorated with over 25,000 diyas. 

However, amidst this joyous glow, pollution in Delhi has once again raised concerns. The air in Delhi-NCR has become even more polluted after Diwali. 

Fireworks have increased harmful particles in the air, making it difficult for people to breathe. The air quality index in Delhi and surrounding areas has reached above 900, which is considered very poor.

Pollution in Delhi reaches dangerous levels

According to the CPCB's SAMEER app, the air quality in many areas of Delhi has deteriorated significantly after Diwali. Air quality reached severe levels in four locations: Dwarka, Ashok Vihar, Wazirpur, and Anand Vihar, with AQIs exceeding 400. 

Of these, Dwarka recorded 417, Ashok Vihar 404, Wazirpur 423, and Anand Vihar 404. Air quality remained in the very poor category at approximately 30 monitoring stations across Delhi, with AQIs exceeding 300. 

By noon, 31 out of 38 locations recorded very poor air quality, while it remained in the severe category at three locations.

Delhi's air quality may deteriorate today

According to the Meteorological Department, Delhi's air quality is likely to deteriorate further on Tuesday and Wednesday and is likely to reach the severe category. 

Let us tell you that AQI level from 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor and 401 to 500 severe. 

On October 15, the Supreme Court had allowed the sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR with some conditions. 

The court had said that people can burst green crackers a day before Diwali and on the day of the festival from 6 am to 7 pm, and then from 8 pm to 10 pm.