NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality nosedived towards the ‘hazardous’ category on next morning of Diwali as people violated Supreme Court order and burst firecrackers before and after the 8pm to 10pm time frame in many areas, the authorities said.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) PM 2.5 was recorded 805 at 6am today in the national capital.
Several areas in the city recorded AQI over 900, Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 and area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under ‘hazardous’ category in Air Quality Index (AQI).
The AQI was 286 at 7pm on Wednesday and went up to 405 at 8pm and further deteriorated to 514 at 9pm.
The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8pm to 10pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.
The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.
But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas in the national capital.
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