Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi, Noida Post-Diwali; AQI Set to Plunge Further

Toxic smog engulfs Delhi post-Diwali as AQI plunges to hazardous levels. Discover the factors behind the pollution surge and ongoing health risks.
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Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi, Noida Post-Diwali; AQI Set to Plunge Further

The morning following Diwali, residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other National Capital Region (NCR) areas awoke to a thick blanket of toxic smog. Despite longstanding bans on firecrackers, celebrations carried on with fireworks lighting up the skies, filling the air with smoke and noise pollution that severely impacted visibility and air quality. By Friday morning, pollution levels in Delhi and neighbouring regions had once again spiralled to hazardous levels, a pattern that repeats annually and presents a serious public health concern.

Rising AQI: A Hazardous Morning After Diwali 

After Diwali celebrations, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared across Delhi and surrounding areas, with Anand Vihar, for example, reaching an AQI of 385, categorizing the air quality as "very poor." Throughout Thursday night, Anand Vihar’s AQI plunged to “severe,” with particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations climbing, creating an especially unhealthy environment for those with respiratory issues. Other regions in Delhi-NCR, including areas of Haryana like Gurugram, Jind, and Charkhi Dadri, recorded AQIs in the “poor” to “very poor” categories. The ongoing impact of vehicular emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and unfavourable weather patterns further intensified these conditions, trapping pollutants and leading to more persistent smog.

AQI

Pollution Trends: A Recurring Pattern Post-Diwali 

Delhi has consistently experienced spikes in air pollution levels after Diwali, making it one of the worst-affected urban areas in India. This year was no exception, with the AQI hovering around 330 as a 24-hour average, up from 307 the day prior. Comparatively, Diwali celebrations in 2022 saw an AQI of 312, and previous years recorded even higher levels of 382 in 2021 and 414 in 2020. Each post-Diwali morning brings with it toxic grey skies, and while some celebrate, others face the health repercussions of the pollution.

The pollution level this year stood in stark contrast to last Diwali when favourable weather conditions had helped keep the AQI at a relatively lower 218. However, this year’s unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with local sources of pollution, such as firecrackers, stubble burning, and emissions, culminated in thick smog that dominated the skyline and trapped pollutants in the atmosphere.

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Compliance Challenges with the Firecracker Ban

In an attempt to curb Diwali pollution, Delhi has had a ban on firecrackers in place since 2017, urging people to turn to eco-friendly alternatives like green fireworks or light displays. Enforcement teams were set up across the city, and the government worked with community groups to spread awareness. Nonetheless, large-scale violations were reported in various areas, such as East and West Delhi, where residents ignored restrictions, with neighbourhoods like Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash witnessing extensive firecracker displays. Despite strict regulations and increased monitoring, access to firecrackers through local vendors made it challenging for authorities to enforce the ban fully.

Police were deployed across multiple neighbourhoods, and government officials issued warnings about potential legal actions under relevant regulations for those defying the firecracker ban. Still, many residents expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of such measures, with some claiming that the ban has minimal impact while others consider it a necessary but insufficient step toward addressing the city’s larger pollution crisis.

Regional Impact: A Grim Forecast for Delhi-NCR

The smog in Delhi post-Diwali poses a critical health hazard, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels spiked significantly, with concentrations measured at 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic meter by Thursday night. These particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, have been linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Surrounding areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram also recorded deteriorated air quality levels, although slightly better than in Delhi itself. Faridabad managed to stay in the “moderate” range with an AQI of 181, but the overall region continued to suffer from low visibility and compromised air quality. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) warned that peak pollution levels are expected in early November as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana intensifies, further exacerbating Delhi’s air quality woes.

Also Read: Tuberculosis Makes a Comeback as Leading Infectious Disease Killer, Says WHO

Long-Standing Battle Against Pollution

Delhi’s struggle with pollution post-Diwali has become an enduring concern, and while government initiatives seek to reduce firecracker use, implementation challenges remain. The confluence of firecracker smoke, vehicle emissions, and crop burning results in a toxic haze that disrupts the city every winter. As temperatures dip and wind patterns slow, the NCR's air pollution levels are likely to worsen, particularly with November expected to bring a peak in stubble burning. 

With annual efforts proving inadequate, the need for innovative and stringent policies to manage air pollution more effectively is apparent. This post-Diwali haze serves as a reminder of the persistent environmental challenges that the city faces each year, underlining the critical need for stronger, more coordinated action to safeguard public health in Delhi and its neighbouring regions.

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