NEW DELHI: Delhi and the neighboring suburbs saw a familiar but unsettling scene the morning after Diwali. Due to disregarded firecracker prohibitions, bad weather, and other enduring causes of pollution, residents of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram were met with a dense coating of poisonous haze. The city’s air quality index (AQI) increased sharply in spite of pollution control measures, reaching severe levels in some areas before showing a minor improvement later in the day.
AQI readings in Delhi’s Anand Vihar neighborhood reached 385 in the early hours after Diwali, placing it in the “very poor” category. Similar levels were recorded in other areas of Delhi and the National Capital Region. Significant health concerns are associated with this increase in pollutants, mainly PM2.5 and PM10, particularly for susceptible populations like children, the elderly, and people with respiratory disorders. Concerns regarding increased respiratory problems and long-term health effects for city dwellers are raised by the high concentration of tiny particles, especially PM2.5, which enters the lungs deeply.
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Delhi’s post-Diwali pollution is a yearly problem that is largely caused by stubble burning in nearby states of Punjab and Haryana in addition to local sources. As crop burning peaks in early November, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) predicts that pollution levels will continue to be high. This seasonal element, along with the city’s industrial pollution and automobile emissions, makes managing air quality difficult in the winter when the weather exacerbates the smog.
To combat Diwali pollution, the Delhi government has taken a number of preventative actions in recent years. Since 2017, conventional firecrackers have been prohibited, which has promoted the usage of green firecrackers and substitute celebrations. However, enforcement is still difficult. More than 300 teams kept an eye on compliance around Delhi, but there were still many infractions, with big firecracker displays taking place in several neighborhoods, including Burari and East of Kailash. Despite police patrols to reduce infractions, complete compliance is nevertheless challenging in the midst of seasonal celebrations and traditional customs.
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As wind speeds increased and some pollutants were dispersed, the AQI indicated a small improvement by the afternoon. The limits of current methods were highlighted by the fact that Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI on the morning following Diwali stayed in the “very poor” zone.
Going forward, improving Delhi’s air quality calls for a team effort. Although state and municipal governments have the authority to control the causes of pollution, more social collaboration is a key component of the solution. It’s crucial to cut back on the usage of firecrackers, switch to eco-friendly festivities, and deal with bigger pollution sources like stubble burning. Finding eco-friendly methods to celebrate Diwali, which is still a joyous occasion, could make life a little simpler for locals in the years to come.