Delhi is struggling with heavy air pollution. Diwali is over, but the smoke from firecrackers still hangs over the city. The air has turned very bad, and people are having a hard time. In some places, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is said to have gone above 1,700. On the roads, you can see only up to 500 meters.
The Supreme Court had said that only “green crackers” could be burst, and only between 8 PM and 10 PM. But in many places, people ignored this rule and kept bursting crackers well after 10 PM. Because of this, thick smoke has covered large parts of the city, which was already dealing with pollution.
AQI above 400 in 16 areas
The AQI has crossed the danger mark in many parts of Delhi, and in some areas it has gone past 1,700. With so much dust and fine particles in the air, people find it hard to even step out. A thick haze sits over the roads, and drivers can’t see far ahead.
The problem is not only in Delhi. Air quality in Hyderabad is also worrying. On November 8, the city’s average AQI was 321.
Here are the AQI numbers from some parts of Hyderabad:
- Prakash Nagar Station 2: 828
- Kukatpally: 628
- Bikshapathi Nagar: 625
- City average: 321
These numbers show how bad the air is in some areas. Children, older people, and those with breathing problems should take extra care.
Firecracker smoke is not the only reason for Delhi’s pollution. Burning of crop waste, vehicle smoke, construction dust, slow winds, and the coming of cold weather are also making things worse. Many people in Delhi have burning eyes, sore throats, cough, and trouble breathing. Some have gone to hospitals for treatment. To bring the situation under control, Stage 1, 2, and 3 rules under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are now in force across Delhi-NCR.
The air quality after Diwali in both cities has once again raised worry. Since this affects people’s health, pollution control rules need to be enforced more strictly.
