A layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning, with the air quality index ( AQI) level was in the higher end of the “ very poor” category on Saturday after two days of Diwali festivities. According to data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the contribution of residue burning to Delhi's air pollution surged to 35.2 percent on November 1 from 27.6 percent the previous day, marking the highest level for this season. This alarming rise highlighted the worsening impact of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana. Meanwhile, a thin layer of toxic foam was also seen floating in river Yamuna as the pollution level in the river remained high.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the national capital recorded an average air quality index of 297 at 1 pm and settled at 316 at 4 pm. The most affected areas included Anand Vihar (380), IGI Airport (341), RK Puram (340), and Punjabi Bagh (335). Additionally, AQI levels between 200 and 300, indicating 'poor' air quality, were recorded in 19 other areas, including Alipur (295), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (284), and Mundka (288).
In Delhi's neighbouring cities, Faridabad in Haryana recorded a 'moderate' AQI of 165 while Gurugram recorded a 'poor' AQI of 219. In Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad the AQI was 308 which falls in the 'very poor' category, in Greater Noida it was 'poor' at 202, and in Noida it touched 250, reflecting similarly 'poor' air quality across the region.
Meanwhile, satellite remote sensing has revealed a significant surge in residue burning events associated with rice harvests in six Indian states. On November 2, satellites detected 861 such incidents, with Punjab notably at the forefront, recording 379 cases.
The breakdown for the other states included 19 in Haryana, 87 in Uttar Pradesh, none in Delhi, 80 in Rajasthan, and 296 in Madhya Pradesh. This discovery underscored the ongoing challenge of stubble burning as a major environmental concern. From September 15 to November 2, a total of 9,376 residue burning incidents were reported across these states. Punjab led the figures with 3,916 incidents, highlighting its longstanding struggle with managing post-harvest waste. MP followed with 2,302 incidents, UP with 1,272, Rajasthan with 1,036, and Haryana with 838. The data indicated a worrying trend, particularly with Punjab witnessing a sharp increase, reaching its seasonal highest with 587 cases on November 1, compared to 484 on Diwali, October 31. This significant rise over successive days points to urgent needs for intervention and effective management.
A latest survey has revealed that 69 per cent of families have one or more members suffering from pollution-related ailments including sore throat, and cough. Conducted by LocalCircles, a digital platform the survey gathered over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.
The survey results are alarming: 69 percent of families reported at least one member suffering from sore throat or cough, while 62 percent experienced burning sensations in their eyes due to the high pollution levels. Additionally, 46 percent reported symptoms such as a running nose or congestion, showcasing a widespread impact on health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a staggering 999 on the night of Diwali, marking one of the highest levels recorded in the area.
The survey also revealed that 31 percent of families reported breathing difficulties or asthma, while headaches affected another 31 percent. Furthermore, 23 percent of respondents noted experiencing anxiety or difficulty concentrating, and 15 percent reported trouble sleeping. On a slightly positive note, 31 percent of families indicated that no one in their households faced health issues related to pollution.
The survey also explored how residents plan to cope with the ongoing pollution crisis. Only 23 percent of respondents intend to use air purifiers to mitigate the effects of poor air quality, while an equal number stated they would "just live with it. With many already having cough and cold and some even suffering or already suffering from respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the severe or hazardous AQI levels post Diwali are likely to make things worse,” the survey reads.
Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of not being serious about tackling pollution in the city. Gupta stated that the Delhi government is indifferent to the Lieutenant Governor’s directive to reinstate marshals, previously dismissed by Kejriwal, to help combat pollution. Despite this order, the Delhi government has shown no urgency in reinstating them. Gupta criticized the AAP government, claiming that it resorts to politics on every issue to shirk its responsibilities, covering up its failures and corruption by shifting blame.
