A thick layer of haze blanketed Delhi, with the national capital's AQI plunging to 362 on Friday as people defied a citywide ban on firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)
Delhi's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 330, compared to 218 in 2023 and 312 in 2022, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The national capital's AQI was recorded in the 'very poor' category with a reading of 362 at 9 am on Friday.
In an effort to combat the spike in pollution during and after Diwali, the Delhi government had enforced a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale and use.
Despite these efforts, there was large-scale flouting of the restrictions in neighbourhoods across Delhi.