Delhi's firecracker ban goes up in smoke, post-Diwali air quality remains 'very poor'

Higher temperatures, favourable winds prevent air quality from reaching 'severe' levels

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NEW DELHI: Despite widespread firecracker use during Diwali celebrations, Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" category rather than deteriorating to "severe" levels as initially feared, thanks to favourable weather conditions. However, the national capital still claimed the dubious distinction of being the world's most polluted city on Friday, November 1, according to Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir.

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 362 early Friday morning as residents awoke to a thick blanket of haze, following a night of extensive firecracker celebrations that defied the citywide ban. By 4 pm, the 24-hour average AQI had slightly improved to 339, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Despite the ban, firecrackers were burst in Delhi-NCR. However, the air quality did not reach the severe category as the winds helped improve the situation," explained environmentalist Vimalendu Jha. The above-normal temperatures, with a maximum reaching 33.6 degrees Celsius (three notches above normal), combined with favourable winds, aided in dispersing pollutants. The impact of the celebrations was evident across the city's 40 weather-monitoring stations, with 32 recording "very poor" air quality. Notable hotspots included Anand Vihar (385), Ashok Vihar (365), and Sonia Vihar (370).

According to the CPCB's classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 is categorised as "very poor," while readings between 401 and 450 are considered "severe."