CITY’S AIR QUALITY DIPS TO ‘VERY POOR’ AHEAD OF DIWALI

NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality on Wednesday stumbled to “very poor” category ahead of Diwali this week. However, in a sigh of relief Central-government based System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said that the condition during this Diwali is “likely not to be as bad as last year”.

“Looking at present forecast of weather parameters in SAFAR model simulations, air quality during Diwali period is likely to be not as bad as last year,” said SAFAR forecast on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, SAFAR forecasted “slight increase” in stubble burning activity that directly affects the air quality here. But, the agency added that the air quality may not deter in the coming days.

“The high wind speed continues to positively influence Delhi’s air quality by favouring high dispersion. A slight decrease in the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Punjab

is noticed over the last 24 hours,” said SAFAR forecast on Wednesday. It added that, no drastic deterioration in air quality is expected for the next two days.

AQI in areas like Anand Vihar (320), Mundka (308) and Siri Fort (300) fell to “very poor” category, even after reports suggested the quality may remain stagnant. Other areas such as Alipur (256), Bawana (298), Dwarka sector – 8 (280), R K Puram (205) stayed in “poor” category. With Diwali just a few days away, the city authorities have geared up to fight air pollution that has become a persistent issue in the national Capital every year.

Although, stubble burning is being blamed as the main cause, environmental experts blame vehicular emission, garbage burning, industrial waste and construction work as the other major reasons for the increase in air pollution. The period between October 29 and November 12 will be the most critical in Delhi.