Delhi’s air quality remained ‘very poor’ on the morning of October 28, with a slight improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) level, rising from 352 on Sunday to 327 at 9 am.

The national capital is expected to see ‘very poor’ AQI by October 29. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) said the AQI could enter the ‘severe’ category on October 30 in the event of additional emissions from fireworks and stubble fires.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the most polluted district was Bawana with an AQI of 368 (very poor), followed by Sonia Vihar with 366 (very poor).

According to AQEWS, Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain above 330 at 4 pm. The forecast for the next six days is that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the urgent need to tackle air pollution in northern India and said the next 15 days are “very important”. The AQI in Delhi is expected to cross 400 by October 31.

blame on pakistan

Meanwhile, the AQI in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad crossed the 300-mark just ahead of Diwali celebrations, entering the ‘very poor’ category.

DK Gupta, senior official of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in Greater Noida, blamed Pakistan for the rising air pollution levels.

“This year, for the first time, three cities of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad witnessed ‘very poor’ air quality on the same day. And for this our neighboring country Pakistan has to be blamed. “The increasing number of stubble burning cases is causing toxic smoke to be sent to the border,” Gupta told The Times of India:

Authorities also blamed stubble burning in the immediate area, adding that unfavorable wind conditions that usually prevent the spread of smoke from farm fires had worsened the situation.

The Delhi government has banned the use and sale of fireworks until January 1 and is intensifying efforts to reduce pollution, including watering roads and frequent cleaning of public spaces.