Tag: AQI

The air quality in Delhi-NCR remained critically poor on Thursday, with several areas approaching 'severe' levels as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region hit a concerning 362, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Delhi has recorded its second cleanest air quality following Diwali since 2015, with a remarkable reduction in pollution levels attributed to strong winds that effectively dispersed the dense smoke hanging over the city. According to reports, the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered a reading of 339 by 4 PM on Friday, improving further to 323 by 7 PM.

Pune’s air quality, which has been classified as ‘moderate’ with an air quality index (AQI) of 122 as of October 31, is anticipated to decline in the next 24 hours, coinciding with the remaining days of the ongoing Diwali festival. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's (IITM) SAFAR model indicates that pollution levels are set to rise in several localities, including Katraj, Shivajinagar, Hadapsar, and Bhosari, where there has been a gradual increase in air pollution recently.

Delhi experienced a relatively warmer Sunday, with the mercury soaring to a high of 24.7 degrees Celsius, marking three degrees above the seasonal average. However, despite the mild warmth, the city grappled with 'very poor' air quality levels that persisted through the day.

In a bid to tackle rising air pollution, the Bombay High Court has modified its earlier order on Diwali firecracker bursting in Mumbai. The new directive restricts the time for bursting firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm. The court emphasized the need for urgent measures to address the city's air quality issues and called for a study by experts to identify pollution sources. The decision comes in the wake of concerns about poor air quality in specific areas of Mumbai. The court has also extended the ban on certain vehicular entries until November 19, urging municipal corporations to evaluate the situation and take necessary actions.