Delhi becomes world’s most-polluted city post Diwali; minister still congratulates residents

Indian Capital New Delhi was ranked Friday morning (Nov 1) the most polluted city in the world by IQAir, following Diwali celebrations on the night of Oct 31. The Swiss firm in its real-time pollution rankings put Delhi at the top, with air-quality index (AQI) reaching 388 at Anand Vihar station at 10am.

The Delhi government had put a ban on bursting crackers in view of the deteriorating prevalent air quality in the national capital region (NCR); however, the restrictions were ignored by many residents. Air quality remained in “very poor” category across many areas.

The AQI remained above 350 in most parts of Delhi; with Aya Nagar at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka reaching 376; all categorised as ‘very poor’ and posing serious health risks.

Not just in Delhi, a significant deterioration in air quality was also observed in mega cities like Chennai and Mumbai, with many people blaming the toxic pollution on crackers.

Here are the top ten cities ranked most-polluted by IQAir Friday morning:

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ironically, Delhi environment minister on Friday lauded Delhiites for celebrating Diwali in a “responsible manner.”

Gopal Rai appeared to be elated at the fact that the air quality only remained in “very poor” category and didn’t further sink into severe levels.

Watch: Delhi’s Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’

“Delhi’s air quality has been in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the past few days. People had predicted that there would be a rise in the level of air pollution in Delhi on the next day of Diwali, but we can see it the pollution level has remained under control. This is the success of the collective efforts of the people of Delhi and all departments,” Gopal Rai was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)