Toxic Smog Envelops Delhi Post-Diwali as AQI Reaches Hazardous Levels
Post-Diwali air quality in Delhi plummets as toxic smog blankets the city. Learn how AQI levels soared and why pollution spikes during the festival season.
Delhi Faces Toxic Smog Crisis After Diwali; Air Quality Plummets in NCR
Residents of Delhi and the surrounding areas, including Noida and Gurugram, woke up to an alarming blanket of smog on November 1, following Diwali celebrations. Despite a longstanding ban on firecrackers, festivities on Thursday night led to significant air and noise pollution, drastically reducing visibility and worsening the already fragile air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s Anand Vihar had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395 at 6 am, firmly placing it in the “very poor” category.
Escalating Air Pollution in Delhi and Neighboring Regions
Thursday night saw air quality in several areas, including parts of Haryana and Punjab, degrade into the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories. For example, Gurugram’s AQI hit 322, while readings in Jind and Charkhi Dadri reached 336 and 306, respectively, according to the Sameer app that provides real-time AQI updates.
Compared to last year’s Diwali, which had a more favorable AQI of 218 due to better weather conditions, this year’s pollution spike was exacerbated by stagnant air, continuous stubble burning in neighboring states, and vehicular emissions.
The Impact on Health and Visibility
New Delhi, infamous for its air pollution, experienced severe smog post-Diwali, impacting the respiratory health of its residents. PM2.5 levels soared, pushing AQI values into the “severe” range overnight in places like Anand Vihar. These tiny pollutants pose grave health risks, especially to children, the older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory issues.
Despite the Delhi government’s efforts to curb firecracker use since 2017, including deploying 377 enforcement teams and engaging with local associations, widespread violations were reported across East and West Delhi. Popular neighborhoods, including Punjabi Bagh, Burari, Jaunapur, and East of Kailash, witnessed dazzling displays that defied the ban.
Stubborn Pollution Trends and Annual Patterns
Historical data reveal that Delhi’s air quality consistently dips during Diwali. In 2020, the AQI peaked at 414, while 2021 saw it reach 382. In 2022, the level dropped to 312 but still reflected “very poor” conditions. This year’s average AQI reached 330, a noticeable increase from 307 the previous day.
Efforts by authorities, such as legal actions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against violators, aim to reinforce compliance, but enforcement remains a challenge as residents can still access firecrackers from local vendors.
Area-Specific AQI Breakdown in Delhi
Some of the worst-affected areas reported alarming AQI levels:
Anand Vihar: 395 (PM2.5)
Ashok Vihar: 324 (PM10)
Burari Crossing: 394 (PM2.5)
Chandni Chowk: 336 (PM2.5)
RK Puram: 395 (PM2.5)
IGI Airport (T3): 375 (PM2.5)
Challenges and Long-Term Outlook
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) predicts pollution levels may peak in early November as stubble burning continues to rise in Punjab and Haryana. Combined with unfriendly weather patterns and local emissions, the region is bracing for sustained poor air quality.
Concluding Thoughts
The post-Diwali smog in Delhi serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenge the city faces in managing air pollution. While regulations on firecracker usage have been in place for years, effective enforcement and a shift towards sustainable celebration practices remain essential for long-term change. Residents and authorities alike must navigate these recurring challenges, seeking lasting solutions to ensure cleaner, healthier air in the future.
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