Delhi's Diwali Aftermath: A Wake-up Call for Air Quality

Delhi's air quality plummeted to 'very poor' as residents celebrated Diwali with firecrackers beyond the Supreme Court's limits. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an Air Quality Index of 359. Environmentalists warn this poses severe health risks, especially to children. Further deterioration is expected in the coming days.

Delhi residents faced a grim morning as a thick haze enveloped the city following Diwali celebrations marked by rampant firecracker use, in defiance of the Supreme Court's two-hour limit.

The Central Pollution Control Board reported the city in the 'very poor' air quality zone, with an AQI of 359. This decline poses a serious health concern, especially for children.

Environmentalists like Bhavreen Kandhari emphasize the urgent need for action, warning that the smog not only clouds skies but also chokes children's lungs. With respiratory diseases prevalent, experts warn of further deterioration in air quality.

(With inputs from agencies.)