Air quality in Delhi has hit the skids after a night of endless cracker bursting in the national capital. Delhi, which has been given the title of most polluted city in the world, witnessed a rise of 23 times in its pollution levels after an endless night of Diwali celebrations or as we may call it pollution galore.
As per the World Quality Index, at around 10.00 pm, the air quality measured 547. The current average for Beijing stands at 190, which is almost three times less than that in Delhi. Even a day after Diwali, the air quality level remains at a good 509 for Anand Vihar.
According to the System of Air Quality, Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the suspended particulate matters (PMs) which affect breathing directly also rose to hazardous levels. At 10 pm, the IGI Airport showed PM 10 at 452 microgram per cubic metre (mpcm) and PM 2.5 at 325 mpcm, while the safe limits are 60mpcm and 100mpcm.
PM 2.5 can cause severe respiratory problems and are extremely hazardous to the lungs. Anand Vihar, Noida and Delhi University recorded higher levels of pollution as compared to areas in South and West Delhi.
People suffering from heart and respiratory diseases were strictly advised to stay indoors as the bursting of firecrackers spikes up the pollution levels to a great extent. With or without firecrackers, the residents of Delhi have been longing to breathe free for while now. However, the levels continue to be unhealthy to hazardous as far as the air quality in Delhi is concerned.
Image Credit: news.yahoo.com
