Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 01, 2024, 10:20 AM
Delhi Pollution Level: After the festival of Diwali, the area of Delhi-NCR once again started looking like a gas chamber. Despite the ban on firecrackers, fireworks were burst on the occasion of Diwali on Thursday night, which covered the entire city with a blanket of smoke and pollution. The result was that the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 700 in many areas of Delhi, while at many places it was recorded above 500. Delhi's average AQI reached 556, with Anand Vihar recording 714, Defense Colony 631, and Patparganj 513.Serious situation of pollution in Delhi-NCROn the night of Diwali, a blanket of smoke was clearly visible in various areas of Delhi. Pollution could be seen on NH-9 with the help of headlights of vehicles and street lights. Similarly, a layer of haze was also seen on the way from Noida to Delhi, reflecting the condition of polluted air in the capital. Smog was visible while going towards NH-9 from Akshardham flyover.Place AQIAnand Vihar 714Defence Colony 631Patparganj 513Sirifort 480Noida 332Najafgarh 282Shahdara 183Gurugram 185Pollutants become a threat to healthEvery year, air pollution increases rapidly on the occasion of Diwali. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and dust particles emitted from firecrackers make the air poisonous. These harmful elements spread in the atmosphere and cause breathing problems and other health problems, especially for children and the elderly.Post-Diwali garbage: Impact on environment and healthAfter Diwali, a huge amount of garbage was seen on the streets of Delhi, most of which was the remains of firecrackers, paper and cardboard. This garbage poses a big threat to the environment, as it not only pollutes the air but also adversely affects our health.AQI level at 10 pm on Diwali nightBy 10 pm on Diwali night, Delhi's AQI had reached 330, while it was 307 a day earlier. This level was recorded in the severe category in areas like Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Laxmi Nagar. The amount of PM 2.5 and PM 10 also increased, causing people to face difficulty in breathing.Last year's situationLast year, Delhi's AQI was at 218 during Diwali. Pollution was under control due to favorable weather. This year, stubble burning and smoke from vehicles increased the pollution level further. This year the pollution level on Diwali night was much higher than in previous years, which brought back memories of the pollution-filled Diwali of 2020.Hazardous effects of PM 2.5The tiny particles of PM 2.5 remain in the air for a long time and can enter the body through breathing and have a serious impact on health. These small particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause asthma, bronchitis and even heart diseases. It is especially harmful for children, the elderly and people suffering from asthma.Pollution situation in NCRAir quality in NCR areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon was slightly better than Delhi, but still the air was recorded in the "poor" category. The AQI in Faridabad went up to 181, which was lower than other areas, but is still harmful for health.How is air quality measured?According to the standards set by the Indian Meteorological Department, 0-50 AQI is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, and 401-500 is severe. An AQI level above 500 makes the air "extremely hazardous".The rising pollution in Delhi and NCR region is becoming a serious issue every year. The situation after Diwali this year has once again made it clear that serious measures are needed to keep the environment safe. Pollution can be controlled only by adopting alternatives to firecrackers and finding solutions to stubble burning, so that the air of Delhi-NCR can remain healthy and clean in the future.