Rains Helped, as Will an Early Diwali, But Delhi Still Needs to Brace for Poor Air Quality
Extra rainy days in October improved air quality in Delhi but stubble burning and Diwali could undo this soon. The air quality of the city is likely to remain 'very poor' or 'poor' for the next six days. New Delhi: Though extra rainy days in the first half of October lowered air pollution in Delhi, the national capital will still need to brace for poor air quality as Diwali approaches and stubble burning picks up in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Chinese Construction of Waterfalls in the building 350, फीट ऊंची इमारत से बह निकला झरना - Travel Nfx 02:12 % Buffered Copy video url Play / Pause Mute / Unmute Report a problem Language Share Vidverto Player As per a recent report on winter air pollution by CSE, though Diwali falls early this year – which means that weather conditions will help dilute air pollution – the likelihood of increased farm stubble fires along with pollution from Diwali celebrations could mean that a “severe smog” could begin from Diwali night. Air quality in Delhi is likely to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Poor” category, as per the government’s air quality early warning system, till October 27. Delhi’s dipping air quality Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas witness high levels of air pollution during the winter months, starting October. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5, consisting of particles less than 2.5 mm in diameter, produced from sources including fossil fuel combustion) from vehicular traffic, construction activities and emissions from thermal power plants are some of the causes for the high pollution levels in the city. Local weather conditions can also play a role in air quality levels. The lack of winds, for example, can concentrate pollutants in the area and spike air pollution levels.