Delhi and London showed contrasting responses to air pollution triggered by fireworks on the occasion of Diwali.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan issued a 'high air pollution alert' on November 10, while the Delhi government has yet to issue a comparable public-facing statement despite the city's air quality remaining hazardous after Sunday's Diwali celebrations.
"I urge everyone in the capital, especially those most vulnerable, to stay safe and follow health advice to minimise their exposure," posted Mayor Sadiq Khan on X. "Please switch off engines when idling and avoid burning garden waste, which contributes to pollution."
The Mayor's Office issued a statement on the advice of Imperial College London. In the statement, the Mayor's Office said: "Smoke from Bonfire Night and Diwali fireworks and from wood burning is likely to have contributed."
The UK Department of Environment's 24-hour summary shows some areas of London had AQI (Air Quality Index) listed as high. The data does not show that the entire city had been affected by poor air quality.
That, however, was in sharp contrast with the AQI in various Indian cities. The AQI in about ten Indian cities, including Delhi and Amritsar were measured at 'very poor'. As of 5 pm on November 10, Delhi's AQI was 302 while it was 311 in Ludhiana. Delhi's AQI was 382 on the morning after Diwali.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) says AQI between 0-50 is good, while 51-100 is satisfactory and 101-200 is moderate, causing breathing discomfort to people with lung and heart diseases.
The AQI in the range 201-300 is rated poor, meaning prolonged exposure could cause breathing discomfort to everyone affected by it. The AQI between 301 and 400, listed as 'very poor ', can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure, while the figures above 400 are considered severe.
Going by CPCB data on November 10, almost 50 Indian cities had AQI in the range of 200 and 377. In contrast, Kashmir had an AQI of 39 on the day.