Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Thursday, a day after Diwali.
Although many measures were taken to try and curb the air pollution in Delhi this year, the effort went up in smoke after the air quality index went up to a scary 999 in certain areas. Anand Vihar, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium were a few of them.
In October, the Supreme Court banned the use of normal firecrackers in the national capital and encouraged the residents to burst green crackers. The top court also gave a two-hour time-slot for bursting firecrackers.
The air quality in Delhi is now at a hazardous level.
FIRs registered against offenders not adhering to cracker rule"72 FIRs were registered under Explosives Act and 75 people were arrested. 1705 kg of non-green, non-certified firecrackers were recovered. SC had allotted 8 pm-10 pm as the time to burst crackers, 562 FIRs were registered for violation of SC order, 323 people arrested," Delhi police Commissioner told ANI.
72 FIRs were registered under Explosives Act and 75 people were arrested. 1705 kg of non-green, non-certified firecrackers were recovered. SC had allotted 8 pm-10 pm as the time to burst crackers, 562 FIRs were registered for violation of SC order, 323 people arrested: Delhi DCP pic.twitter.com/GrQyQZRdgg
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) sprayed water in Anand Vihar settle the dust as an attempt to curb the pollution in the area.
Earlier today, ANI reported that the air quality index (AQI) in Anand Vihar was at 999, and marked as hazardous.
Delhi: Workers of Public Works Department (PWD) sprinkle water in Anand Vihar area to settle the dust as a pollution control measure. pic.twitter.com/DsD88wp9oJ
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
The Delhi government along with the Centre have launched a 'Clean Air Campaign' to try and curb air pollution in the capital.
The campaign is for 10 days where teams have been deployed to parts of Delhi to report o the pollution, reports Indian Express.
The 52 teams are led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). and the Municipal Corporation.
Delhi Fire Services receives 209 calls on WednesdayAlong with the bursting of the firecrackers, other incidents also contributed to the pollution.
On Wednesday, the Delhi Fire Services received 209 calls, reports Indian Express, including a fire at a factory.
There were incidents at dump yards as well as fire incidents due to electric wires, fireworks, etc.
Air pollution at Lodhi road is at severe levelThe major pollutant PM 2.5 and PM 5 are at 500 which is considered severe in Lodhi Road in Delhi.
Delhi: According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data, major pollutant PM 2.5 and PM 10 are at 500 (severe) in Lodhi Road area, on the day after #Diwali pic.twitter.com/a7qe2SEPhb
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
Delhi: Latest visuals from Rajpath. pic.twitter.com/aIuYSnneK5
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
According to ANI, 140 kg crackers seized by police in North West Delhi last night, 57 cases registered. 200 kg crackers seized from Dwarka, a total of 42 cases registered. 23 FIRs registered in South East Delhi, total 17 arrested & 278 kg crackers seized. 72 kg crackers seized in North Delhi, 14 arrested.
Air quality Index goes up to an alarming 999According to ANI, the air quality index hit 999 in certain parts of Delhi.
#Delhi's Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 & area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018
Trucks have been banned from entering Delhi for three days starting Thursday. The air quality dipped to hazardous on Wednesday due to the bursting of crackers despite the Supreme Court's ruling.
the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) had banned the entry of trucks on November 8th to 10th.