The air in Delhi and the surrounding cities has become dangerously polluted just a few days after Diwali.
A recent bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 353, putting it in the Very Poor range.
Why is the AQI so high?
Scientists say the spike comes mainly from the large number of firecrackers used during the festival, combined with a lack of wind to disperse the fumes and a surge in vehicle traffic.
Top‑polluted cities around Delhi
- Dharuhera: 379
- Rohtak: 349
- Noida: 330
- Bhiwani: 331
- Narnaul: 332
- Ghaziabad: 321
These places make the National Capital Region (NCR) one of the most polluted areas in India.
Greater Noida (308), Ambala (312) and Yamuna Nagar (320) are also close behind.
Other heavily affected areas
- Amritsar: 238
- Ludhiana: 278
- Jaipur: 247
- Kanpur: 253
Cities with good air
- Shillong: 11
- Puducherry: 19
- Madurai: 25
- Coimbatore: 33
Health risks
Doctors warn that breathing in the high levels of PM2.5—tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs—can lead to respiratory problems even for healthy adults. One expert compared the air pollution to smoking several cigarettes a day.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has urged authorities to activate GRAP Stage‑III measures immediately. This includes stopping new construction projects, banning waste burning and shutting down polluting industries for a short period.
With winter on the horizon and the stubble‑burning season still not over, environmentalists predict that Delhi‑NCR could slip into the Severe allergy category soon. The government’s prompt action will be crucial to curb the rising pollution levels and protect public health.
Source: ianslive
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