NEW DELHI: On Diwali, Delhiites woke up to choking air as pollution levels soared once again. The pollution levels spiked sharply, with thirty-four of the city’s thirty-seven monitoring stations recording air quality in the ‘red zone’, indicating ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ conditions.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the ‘severe’ category on Monday morning, with readings around India Gate touching 347, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Meanwhile, Stage II of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP II) has kicked in on Sunday evening as the air quality turned ‘very poor’. Stage I actions which were already in force since October 14.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that this trend is likely to continue throughout the week, with air quality expected to remain in the “severe” bracket on Tuesday, immediately following Diwali. The spike in pollution has raised concerns over public health, with vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, particularly at risk.
Fire Accidents in Delhi
A major fire broke out in Delhi’s Narela Industrial Area on Monday evening, Diwali. According to officials, a fire broke out suddenly in a shoe factory located in the Narela DSIIDC Industrial Area, which quickly took a horrific turn. The flames were so intense that it engulfed another nearby factory as well. As soon as the information was received, 16 fire brigade vehicles were sent to the spot and efforts were started to control the fire. Relief and rescue operations continued till late night. At present, the cause of the fire has not been ascertained.
A fire also broke out at a cardboard factory in Narela’s Bhorgarh Industrial Area Phase 2. Fire Officer S.K. Dua said, “We received a call about a fire at a cardboard factory in Bhorgarh. Twenty-six fire tenders were sent to the scene and brought the fire under control after a lot of effort.”
Fire incidents often increase in the national capital during Diwali. In response, the fire department has issued a high alert. According to officials, 321 vehicles have been deployed at all 66 fire stations in Delhi. Department teams conducted 24-hour patrols on Diwali day to ensure prompt response to any emergencies.
Fire engines were stationed here
Large fire engines will be continuously deployed in crowded areas to ensure immediate response if needed. These include areas such as South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Lal Kuan, Lahori Gate, Mangolpuri, Mahipalpur Chowk, Sangam Vihar, Mundka, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Ashok Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, and Radha Swami Satsang (Bhati Mine). The fire department has appealed to people to use electrical appliances, lamps, and firecrackers with caution during the festival to avoid any accidents.
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