Air pollution has surged significantly in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, and other cities over the past few days since the Diwali celebrations. Delhi's AQI rose to 362 at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 1.
A rise in air pollution post-Diwali celebrations is a common trend, especially in northern India, where other factors like a drop in temperature, stubble burning, etc., add to the air pollution woes. Take a look at the data from major Indian cities to get an idea of how much air quality has deteriorated post-Diwali celebrations.
The data table mentions the daily average AQI of selected Indian cities on October 30, October 31, and November 1, based on the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
| City | AQI on October 30 | October 31 | November 1 |
| Delhi | 352 | 392 | 339 |
| Mumbai | 127 | 130 | 169 |
| Bengaluru | 74 | 95 | 135 |
| Kolkata | 126 | 102 | 155 |
| Chandigarh | 178 | 167 | 302 |
| Kota | 139 | 201 | 159 |
| Nashik | 130 | 96 | 164 |
| Chennai | 74 | 88 | 112 |
| Hyderabad | 78 | 85 | 135 |
Comparison of CPCB's AQI data of the mentioned Indian cities for last three days indicate a a sudden surge in AQI on November 1, especially in cities like Mumbai, Chandigar, Nashik, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc. According to ANI, Delhi air pollution didn't worsened on November 1 because of favourable weather conditions.
AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
Delhi's air quality was recorded in ‘very poor’ category next day after Diwali celebration. However, the air pollution reduced nominally on Friday due to favourable weather conditions, including higher-than-expected temperature and windy weather.
Most areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 350, raising health concerns for residents on Friday. However, the city's total average AQI stood at 339 on Friday, November 1.
A thin layer of smog engulfed the national capital and the AQI was recorded at 296 at 7 am on Saturday, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
Air pollution in Kolkata increased as AQI in the West Bengal capital was in the ‘poor category’ on Saturday, reported PTI citing West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) official.
