Delhi's air quality dips to 'very poor' on Diwali eve; pollution may rise further

Delhi's air quality plunged into the "very poor" category on Diwali eve, with pollution levels anticipated to worsen on Thursday.

Authorities have warned of strict enforcement against those breaching the firecracker ban.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 307 at 4 p.m., a rise from 268 recorded on Tuesday.

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, air quality in the national capital is expected to remain in the "very poor" range (AQI 300 to 400) through Thursday and Friday. Additional emissions from firecrackers or stubble burning could further escalate conditions to the "severe" category during these days.

According to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management, if stubble burning occurs at levels similar to the last five years, it could contribute 15-18 per cent to Delhi's pollution on these dates. This is exacerbated by winds from the northwest, which may carry smoke into the city.

Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR during winter, the air quality is categorised into four stages: Stage I - "Poor" (AQI 201-300), Stage II - "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400), Stage III - "Severe" (AQI 401-450) and Stage IV - "Severe Plus" (AQI above 450).

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers across the national capital. He said authorities are in touch with resident welfare associations (RWAs), market associations and social organisations to spread awareness.