Smog engulfs Delhi as SC-order on crackers flouted, air-quality 'hazardous'
The morning after Diwali, Delhi woke up to a thick smog with the air quality being termed 'hazardous'. Despite Supreme Court putting a cap on bursting crackers, residents flouted it. As per the order, only green crackers were supposed to be burnt from 8-10 PM, but crackers were lit well past that. The Delhi Fire Services received 209 calls on Diwali.
Supreme Court order violated in several areas, people burst crackers
Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels. From Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, and Noida Sector 78, violations of the order were reported. The order also underlined that SHO in areas, where crackers were sold, will be held responsible for contempt of court. The police admitted there were violations and promised strict action.
Starting from 7 PM, AQI only got worse
The areas surrounding Delhi weren't better either. In areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad, crackers were burst as usual raising concerns about the efficiency of administration. The air quality started deteriorating at 7 PM, where AQI was recorded at 281. At 8 PM, the AQI became 291, it went to 294 at 9 PM and reached 296 at 10 PM.
PM 2.5 and PM 10 rose exponentially after 8 PM
Indicators showed air quality oscillate between 'poor' and 'very poor'. PM 2.5 and PM 10, which enter the bloodstream through the respiratory system, rose after 8 PM. SAFAR forecast pollution levels would peak between 11 AM to 3 AM on Wednesday and Thursday.
A hazy morning after night of lights
PM 2.5 touches 2000 in North Campus
How unmindful Delhi residents were about pollution can be understood from data. In North Campus, PM 2.5 level hit 2000. Several areas hit the 'hazardous' mark on the AQI index. On Thursday morning, AQI at Anand Vihar was 999, at Chanakyapuri it was 459 and it was recorded at 999 from the area around Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
Delhi Fire Services received calls related to fire incidents
Out of the 209 calls the Delhi Fire Services received, the ones relating to firecrackers were relatively low. They received one call related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana. Nearly 89 calls were made to report fire incidents in garbage dumping areas. Notably, the Centre and Delhi government collectively launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities.
