Delhi Firecrackers Create Hazardous Smog and Respiratory Health Risks During Diwali Celebrations

On Thursday, Delhi was enveloped in thick smoke due to the relentless bursting of firecrackers, despite a ban. This led to severe noise pollution and reduced visibility as residents celebrated Diwali. The city's air quality plummeted to the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330 recorded at 10 pm.

In contrast to last year's clearer skies during Diwali, this year's celebrations saw a return to high pollution levels. The AQI had been 218 last year due to favourable conditions. However, unfavourable weather, stubble burning, and vehicle emissions worsened the situation this year.

Efforts to Enforce Firecracker Ban

The Delhi government had implemented a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth year in a row. This included prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale, and use. Environment Minister Gopal Rai mobilised 377 enforcement teams to ensure compliance with the ban.

Despite these efforts, large-scale violations were reported across east and west Delhi. Areas like Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash witnessed firecrackers lighting up the sky. Police teams were deployed to monitor neighbourhoods and warned of legal action against violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Impact on Air Quality

Key areas such as Anand Vihar saw AQI levels drop into the 'severe' category. PM2.5 concentrations soared, creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health. These fine particles can easily penetrate the respiratory system, posing serious health risks.

The city's 24-hour average AQI rose to 330 from 307 the previous day. The smog-laden sky evoked memories of severe pollution in 2020 when PM2.5 and PM10 levels surged to 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic metre respectively at 9 pm.

Regional Air Quality Variations

Delhi's surrounding regions experienced varying air quality levels. Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram remained in the 'poor' AQI category, while Faridabad recorded a relatively moderate AQI of 181. Unfavourable meteorological conditions exacerbated smog over Delhi-NCR.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) anticipates higher pollution levels in early November due to increased stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Over the years, Diwali has seen fluctuating air quality in Delhi with AQIs of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, and 414 in 2020.

Despite repeated government efforts to curb firecracker use during Diwali, air pollution continues to spike during the festival. The combination of local pollution sources and external factors like stubble burning contributes significantly to this issue.