Air pollution level in Delhi rose to alarming levels following Diwali, says survey

Air pollution in the National Capital soared to alarming levels till late Thursday night, reaching as much as five times over the safe limit because of the bursting of firecrackers despite a Supreme Court ban on their sale in the NCR, says a survey.

Conducted by air quality mobile app Blueair Friend App, the survey said the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 553 in Anand Vihar area which was five times higher than the safe limit of 51-100.

AQI level from 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor, 401 and above is severe.

The survey is the outcome of the real-time air quality data monitored on Blueair Friend App on Thursday evening.

In Paschim Vihar the AQI level was 365 while in RK Puram it was 286, the survey said, adding that in Faridabad and Dwarka area it jumped to 406 and 254 respectively.

"Fire crackers are one of the most significant factors increasing the pollution levels in the city. It should be self-imposed than being imposed by the authorities as it threatens the life and health of everyone," Blueair air purifier Director West and South Asia Region Girish Bapat said. 

The survey said the festival of light seems to be the worst time for people suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases with the city's air quality reaching precarious levels.