Air quality dips to ‘very poor’ on Diwali eve, AQI reaches…

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated to ‘very poor’ on Diwali eve, with pollution levels expected to rise further. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 307, up from 268 the previous day. Authorities have warned of strict action against those violating the firecracker ban. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology predicts that the air quality may reach the ‘severe’ category in the coming days due to additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble burning. Measures are being taken under the Graded Response Action Plan to curb air pollution, with 377 teams enforcing the ban on firecrackers. Monitoring stations have reported ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality levels in various areas of Delhi and neighboring cities.