Delhi Chokes as Post-Diwali Smog Returns: Air Quality Plunges Amid Firecracker Ban Violations and Rising Stubble Burning
Delhi’s air quality plunged to dangerously high levels the morning after Diwali, as the city was engulfed in a toxic smog due to widespread firecracker use despite a ban, coupled with vehicle emissions and stubble burning in neighboring states. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared into the “very poor” and “severe” categories, threatening public health and reducing visibility across the capital and nearby areas like Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. Officials anticipate further deterioration in the coming days as stubble burning picks up in Punjab and Haryana, an annual challenge exacerbated by winter’s arrival.
INDC Network : New Delhi : Delhi woke up on the morning after Diwali to a dense layer of toxic smog, blanketing the city in hazardous pollution and pushing the air quality index (AQI) into the “very poor” to “severe” categories. Despite efforts to curb air pollution, including a government-mandated ban on firecrackers, widespread defiance of the regulation filled the skies with fireworks, intensifying an already critical air quality situation.
Reports indicated that many areas in Delhi, Noida, and the National Capital Region (NCR) registered alarmingly high AQI readings. At 6 a.m. on November 1, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, categorized as “very poor” and posing severe health risks. Other regions like Ashok Vihar, Burari Crossing, Dwarka, and RK Puram reported similarly high AQI levels, with PM2.5 and PM10 particulate concentrations at levels dangerous enough to exacerbate respiratory problems, especially for children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.
The situation was mirrored in neighboring cities within the NCR. At 11 p.m. on Diwali night, the AQI in Gurugram, Haryana, had already reached 322, while Jind and Charkhi Dadri recorded 336 and 306, respectively, as per the Sameer app. Regions in Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh similarly reported AQI levels in the “poor” category. In comparison to the relatively clearer skies on Diwali last year, which had an AQI of 218, this year’s festivities brought Delhi’s pollution back to critical levels, worsened by stagnant meteorological conditions, rampant stubble burning, and constant vehicle emissions.
Despite the Delhi government setting up 377 enforcement teams and urging residents to opt for greener celebrations like light shows or eco-friendly firecrackers, the ban on traditional firecrackers was widely ignored. Residents across East and West Delhi neighborhoods, including Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash, witnessed displays that contributed to the cloud of pollution hanging over the city. In the days leading up to Diwali, local authorities partnered with neighborhood associations to raise awareness about the importance of reducing firecracker use. However, a significant number of residents expressed skepticism about the ban’s effectiveness, citing the ease with which traditional crackers could still be obtained from roadside stalls and local stores.
Across Delhi, police forces were deployed to monitor neighborhoods and enforce the ban. Officials warned that those violating the regulations could face legal repercussions under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which mandates compliance with government directives aimed at protecting public health. However, reports showed that the enforcement measures were insufficient to prevent large-scale defiance.
The dense smog that enveloped the capital brought back memories of past severe pollution episodes. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI at 330, a jump from 307 the previous day, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels soaring to hazardous heights. These fine particulates are especially harmful as they penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, heightening the risk of respiratory issues and aggravating conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
According to the CPCB, peak pollution levels are expected in early November due to the increase in stubble burning across Punjab and Haryana. With the onset of winter, meteorological conditions typically worsen, trapping pollutants closer to the ground and making it harder for the smog to dissipate. While surrounding areas like Noida and Ghaziabad managed to maintain AQIs within the “poor” range, Faridabad reported a relatively moderate AQI of 181, showcasing a slight improvement compared to Delhi’s “very poor” readings.
Delhi’s air quality readings this Diwali underscored a troubling trend of worsening pollution levels during the festival season. Over the past few years, Delhi’s AQI on Diwali has ranged from 312 in 2022 to 382 in 2021, with a particularly severe reading of 414 in 2020. Despite concerted government efforts to discourage firecracker use, pollution levels continue to surge each Diwali due to a mix of cultural practices, weather patterns, and agricultural practices in nearby states.
Looking ahead, experts warn that the situation may worsen before it improves. While city authorities strive to enforce restrictions and encourage sustainable practices, the compounded effect of emissions from vehicles, industry, local pollutants, and stubble burning remains a major challenge. As Delhi braces for peak winter pollution, public health concerns are likely to rise, especially among vulnerable groups who are most at risk from prolonged exposure to toxic air.
The recurring air pollution crisis highlights the need for long-term solutions that extend beyond temporary firecracker bans. With increasing awareness about the adverse health effects of pollution, many residents are calling for stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures, the adoption of alternative celebration methods, and deeper regional collaboration to address stubble burning and industrial emissions that contribute to Delhi’s air quality woes year-round.
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