Delhi Wakes Up To Cleanest Diwali Morning In Eight Years, But It Could Be Short-Lived

Thanks to favourable weather conditions including an increase in windspeed and light rains, along with the tough restrictions imposed as part of the GRAP-4, Delhi on Sunday woke up to a relatively clean sky and improved air quality.

At 9 am, the air quality of Delhi was at 204, which is still 'very poor', but far better than the severe and severe plus just a week ago.

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How Delhi got cleanest Diwali in eight years

This was the cleanest Diwali morning Delhi has had in eight years. On Saturday the 24-hour average air quality index stood at 220, the lowest for the day before Diwali in eight years.

Delhi recorded an AQI of 312 on Diwali last year, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, 281 in 2018, 319 in 2017, and 431 in 2016, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.

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What is predicted after Diwali

While it is great news for Delhiites to have relatively cleaner air, the improvement in air quality over the past couple of days is likely to be short-lived.

Sporadic incidents of firecracker burning were reported on Saturday night in several parts of the capital and it is expected to go up manifold on Sunday night, during the culmination of the Diwali festivities.

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According to the IMD, low temperatures and firecracker burning could lead to a rise in pollution levels in Delhi on Sunday night.

Why Delhi govt wants you to light lamps, not firecrackers

On Friday, the Delhi government on Friday announced the 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' campaign in the city amid concerns about rising pollution again after the Diwali festival.

"Today, due to the rain and wind, pollution has reduced significantly. People of nearby cities are requested to light lamps and distribute sweets during Diwali but do not burst firecrackers. We want the pollution level to remain good even on the next day of Diwali. The campaign of 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' is starting from today," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday.

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What Diwali advisory says

The Delhi Government has also issued an advisory for Diwali celebrations.

According to the advisory, citizens are recommended to avoid going to places with high air pollution levels, such as slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries, and construction-demolition sites.

The use of firecrackers is also discouraged. Burning wood, leaves, crop residues, and waste is not advised.

The advisory includes the following:

Don'ts:- Avoid places with high air pollution, like slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries, and construction-demolition sites.- Avoid outdoor morning and late evening walks, jogging, running, and physical exercises, especially during days with severe Air Quality Index (AQI).- Do not smoke cigarettes.- Avoid burning mosquito coils and incense sticks in closed premises.- Avoid burning wood, leaves, crop residues, and waste.- Do not ignite firecrackers.

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Do's:- Wash your eyes with running water.- Perform regular gargles with lukewarm water.- Eat a healthy balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.- Consult a doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, or irritation in the eyes (red or watery).- Use public transport or carpool.- Practice wet mopping instead of sweeping inside homes and workplaces.

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