Delhi Had Best AQI On Dussehra This Year Comparison To Last Five Years

The cleanest air in five years was breathed by people of Delhi for a day that falls immediately after Dussehra, environment monitoring officials said on Wednesday, but warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate in less than a week. Burning of towering effigies and fireworks, has been displaced by a fasten in air pollution at a time when climatic factors and farm fires in bordering states usually turn Delhi’s air unsuitable for breathing, during Dussehra celebration.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that on Wednesday, the city’s overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 173 compared to 326 last year.
When Dussehra occurs is also linked to how polluted the air gets since the months of October and November is the period when temperature falls and farm fires peak. Dussehra has been celebrated three times in the first half of October in the last five years – among these, 2019’s AQI was the lowest.
‘The easterly winds and a lengthy monsoon had a major part to play in keeping pollutants in check. However that may change after October 12th’ scientists of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
“The monsoon retraction has begun. It has started retreating in Punjab, western Haryana and northern Rajasthan, and in the next three to four days monsoon will retreat from Delhi. Ultimately, the wind direction will also shift and pollution levels are likely to increase,” Kuldeep Srivastava head of IMD’s regional weather forecasting in Delhi said.
A conscious accord by many to cut back on fireworks and effigy burning may have also devoted to the improved air quality. Experts and organizers of Dussehra celebrations said.
Yogesh Pahuja, President of C-Block Lajpat Nagar-II Residents’ Welfare Association said “Looking at the rising pollution levels, we decided not to burn any crackers and still continue the festivity of the day, which did not burn an effigy this year and instead organized a laser show for the “Ravana dahan” ritual.
“Lot of weight has been put on the use of green crackers this time, while leading residents on board to come up with eco-friendly opportunity. Good weather surrounding, has helped Delhi this time,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director (Research and Advocacy), Centre for Science and Environment.

By – Abhishek Singh
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