New Delhi:

Air quality in Delhi deteriorated this morning as people defied a ban on fireworks during Diwali celebrations on Thursday.

The relentless banging of firecrackers caused heavy noise pollution and enveloped the state capital in thick smoke as residents flouted restrictions late into the night.

#REGARD | Delhi skyline continues #Diwali shows the city illuminated in colorful lights. pic.twitter.com/BRvtW3wsRz

– ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024

According to the real-time data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi rose to 359 at 6:30 am, which falls in the 'very poor' category. The AQI on Diwali morning was 328.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 is considered satisfactory, 101 and 200 is moderate, 201 and 300 is poor, 301 and 400 is very poor, 401 and 450 is severe, and above 450 is severe.

Levels of particulate matter – dangerous microparticles known as PM2.5 pollutants that enter the bloodstream through the lungs – rose to more than 23 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization.

Monitoring firm IQAir said pollution levels exceeded 345 micrograms per cubic meter, ranking Delhi as the worst in the world.

The AQI level remained in the 'very poor' category in most of the city's 40 monitoring stations, with Anand Vihar and RK Puram reporting the worst air quality index at 395.

#REGARD | Delhi: A thin layer of smog covers the national capital as air quality continues to deteriorate.

According to CPCB, the AQI of the area is 317, which puts it in the 'very poor' category.

(Pictures from India Gate) pic.twitter.com/nKvFMOPZrd

– ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024

Burari Crossing (394), Sonia Vihar (392), Punjabi Bagh (391), North Campus (390), Bawana (388), Jahangirpuri (387), Rohini (385), Ashok Vihar (384) and Nehru Nagar (381) . ) were some other places with “very poor” air quality.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, said air quality in the national capital is likely to be in the “very poor” category (AQI 300 to 400) on Friday.

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On the eve of Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers across the capital. A senior Delhi Police officer said all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been asked to form special teams to ensure that no firecrackers explode in their respective districts.

Last year, the 'Festival of Lights' was celebrated on November 12 and Delhi recorded its best air quality in eight years on Diwali day with an average AQI of 218.

Stubble fires or farm fires in neighboring Haryana and Punjab, especially during the post-harvest season in October and November, are also often blamed for the increase in pollution in Delhi.

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The capital has been breathing dangerous air quality in recent weeks, prompting authorities last week to introduce the second stage of the GRAP, or Graded Response Action Plan.