Delhi Chokes Day After Diwali

The day after Diwali, Delhi's average AQI at 8am was recorded at a high of 468. In fact, most areas recorded PM2.5 levels above 400. And many were close to the alarming 500-mark. This was the worst AQI recorded the day after Diwali in four years. 

In comparison, Mumbai's AQI stood at 148 because people adhered to the ban on crackers. Kolkata too had much better air quality than Delhi on the evening of Kali puja and Diwali, compared to the figures recorded on the festival day last year.

An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered moderate, 201-300 ''poor'', 301- 400 ''very poor'' and 401-500 ''severe'', while the AQI above 500 falls in the severe plus category.

The AQI levels across India after Diwali weren't great, but they were not as bad as in the years past. Festivities across India were scaled down this year to a large extent. 

India has reported nearly 8.8 million coronavirus infections, the world’s second-highest. Experts have said as winter progresses, the air quality is likely to get worse.