Deepavali celebrations in Delhi pushed the air quality index to hazardous in several parts of the city with fireworks choking the city well past 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
A thick haze engulfed the national capital with the air quality deteriorating to the “very poor” category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 p.m., which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 p.m. The AQI was 281 at 7 p.m. It rose to 291 at 8 p.m. and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 p.m. and 296 at 10 p.m., according to the CPCB.
The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m . only on Deepavali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only “green crackers,” which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.
The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said that in case of any violation, the Station House Officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.
Despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 p.m.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the PM levels would be very poor on Thursday, with the PM10 level forecast to be 358 micrograms per cubic metre and the PM2.5 level at 210 micrograms per cubic metre.
Doctor speak
Dr. Avi Kumar, consultant in Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said people using inhalers should keep it handy as crackers emit suspended particles (smoke) and toxin gases that could trigger asthma, cause severe headaches, respiratory diseases and chronic cough.
“Wear a face mask to stay protected from air pollution and dust. Avoid exercise outdoors right after Deepavali as the pollutant content will be high in the air; people should avoid going outdoors for doing physical activities like cycling, jogging or any other exercises,” he added.
Doctors also recommend using N95 masks if it is necessary to go out.
(With PTI inputs)
