Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Hits 'Severe' Mark on Diwali
Delhi's AQI slips into the 'Severe' category with levels hitting 406 at ITO. Smog engulfs the city as GRAP Stage III remains in force.
The national capital woke up to a suffocating blanket of smog this Monday, as Delhi air quality severe levels returned to haunt the city during the Diwali festivities. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted into the 'Severe' category in several parts of the city during the early morning hours, making breathing a challenge for millions.
Smog Engulfs the Capital
A dense layer of smog descended upon New Delhi, drastically reducing visibility. The impact was particularly severe in areas like Inderlok, where the thick haze turned the morning commute into a hazardous ordeal. The atmospheric conditions have left the city grappling with a toxic mix of pollutants that have lingered over the urban landscape.
The Alarming Numbers
The CPCB monitoring stations recorded frightening spikes across the city. The most critical reading came from the ITO area, which clocked an AQI of 406 at approximately 4:20 am, firmly placing it in the 'Severe' bracket. Other key locations also reported dangerous levels, though they remained in the 'Very Poor' category:
- Rajiv Chowk: Recorded an AQI of 381 at 1:30 am.
- South Extension: Registered an AQI of 360 at 4:00 am.
Political Firestorm Erupts
Amidst the environmental crisis, a political battle has broken out over the narrative surrounding pollution and the festival of lights. Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.
Taking to the social media platform X, Mishra alleged that a calculated campaign was being managed from Kejriwal's residence. He claimed that the pretext of pollution was being used to target Sanatan Dharma and the festival of Diwali. Mishra further asserted that a narrative was being pushed using paid celebrities and political leaders to malign the festivities.
Emergency Measures in Place
To combat the deteriorating conditions, the authorities have implemented strict measures to curb further pollution. Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in force across the Delhi-NCR region. This plan involves a series of emergency actions designed to limit pollutant emissions and manage the air quality crisis as it escalates.