Post-Diwali morning: Delhi's air quality worst this year, as expected
Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the year the morning after Diwali, as the pollution level entered "severe-plus emergency" category, due to rampant bursting of toxic firecrackers, authorities said today. In gross violation of a Supreme Court order, Delhiites burst firecrackers at least until midnight, two hours after the 10PM deadline. Violations were also recorded in Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur and other major cities.
Burning of firecrackers led to formation of smoky layer
Partly as a result of smoke from the firecrackers, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi jumped to 574, which falls in the "severe-plus emergency" category, according to data by the Center-run SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research). The burning of firecrackers has led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility.
AQI to be in 'severe' category till today evening
Officials said AQI entered the 'severe-plus emergency' category at 2AM today and will continue to remain in the severe category until evening. The 'severe-plus emergency' category AQI essentially means that even healthy people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air.
Despite SC order, certain places in Delhi recorded violations
In its order, the Supreme Court had allowed people to burst firecrackers only from 8PM to 10PM on Diwali and other festivals. The court also mandated manufacture and sale of just 'green crackers' that have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals. But despite the apex court's order, certain places recorded violations where firecrackers were burnt before and after the set time-frame.
Will SHOs of nearby PS be now held liable?
The court had also said the police should ensure that there's no sale of banned-firecrackers and in case of any violation, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the nearby police station would be held liable and this would amount to committing contempt of the court.
Police admits to violations, says legal action will be taken
The areas where the violations were recorded included Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens' Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka and Noida Sector 78. The Delhi police admitted that violations have been observed and it would take serious legal action against the people violating the Supreme Court order. They further said that they were continuously patrolling the areas to check for violations.
