EXCLUSIVE: Here’s how polluted Delhi looked a day after Diwali

The Diwali has passed by. But it has left behind a scary record of pollution levels. This time it’s horrific as compared to the last two years. Yesterday, the central pollution monitoring agency data revealed that concentrations of Particulate Matter or PM 10 (coarser pollutants) was over 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100 at around 2 am in Delhi's Anand Vihar. At Mathura Road, the Air Quality Index or AQI clocked at 488, almost 10 times over the standard limit. Lodi Road, the heart of Delhi with decent greenery showed AQI of 500.

Moreover, the drop in temperature with low wind speed has buoyed up the pollution level. High speed wind might have dispersed the pollutants in the air.

The morning after Diwali, when Delhites stepped out of their home, they were greeted with heavy smog resulting from the high level of pollution. With the air quality deteriorating almost 40 times above the standard limit of safe breathing, Delhi’s air quality has definitely surpassed that of Beijing’s at least during these few days.

Airports and railway stations have reported low visibility from early morning to noon.

These pictures show how after Diwali pollution levels were worse this time. These exclsuive photos have been shot by Raman Barwal of 7 Frames in association with 2wenty7 Incorporate.