Delhi Battles 'Very Poor' Air Quality Ahead Of Diwali Despite Firecracker Ban

As the festive week of Diwali kicks off, Delhi woke up to 'very poor' air quality on Monday morning, despite a ban on firecrackers.

According to the IQAir website, the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 264 at 6 am, marking a nearly 90-point improvement from the previous day's AQI. However, this still places Delhi in the hazardous 'very poor' category, signaling health risks for its residents.

Defence Colony Sees AQI Soar

In areas like Delhi's Defence Colony, pollution levels were even higher, with the AQI recorded at 324, suggesting a worsening trend in certain parts of the city. This rise in pollution comes just as Diwali celebrations are set to begin, raising concerns that air quality may deteriorate further.

Pitampura's AQI Sees Relief

In contrast, Pitampura registered an AQI of 167 at 6 am, indicating better air quality compared to other parts of the city. Despite this temporary relief, the city as a whole continues to grapple with pollution levels that are far from safe.

Sunday's AQI Hit 'Severe' Levels in Some Areas

The situation was more alarming on Sunday when Delhi's air quality fell into the 'very poor' range due to calm winds, which hindered the dispersion of pollutants. The 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 355 at 4 pm, up from 255 on Saturday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas, including Bawana, Burari, and Jahangirpuri, recorded 'severe' air quality, pushing the city's pollution levels to critical levels.

Steps Taken to Combat Pollution

To tackle the rising pollution, the Delhi government has implemented several measures, including promoting public transport, controlling dust pollution, and enforcing a firecracker ban during Diwali. The government has also activated Stage 2 of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which kicks in when the AQI ranges between 301 and 400, in anticipation of worsening air quality during the winter months.

Firecracker Ban and Enforcement Challenges

Since 2020, all traditional firecrackers have been banned in Delhi-NCR, with only eco-friendly green crackers allowed. However, distinguishing between green and regular crackers remains a challenge. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and bursting of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory until January 1, 2025.

Despite these restrictions, the smuggling and sale of traditional firecrackers from neighboring areas like Gurugram continue to pose a serious threat to Delhi's air quality. According to a recent spot check by HT, fireworks are still being sold in violation of the ban, potentially exacerbating the pollution crisis as Diwali celebrations get underway.