Post-Diwali Delhi Chokes in Toxic Haze, Wazirpur, Dwarka, Anand Vihar Record ‘Very Poor’ AQI

Delhi's air quality plummeted to hazardous levels following Diwali, with key monitoring stations such as Wazirpur, Dwarka, and Anand Vihar reporting 'very poor' AQI readings. The day after the festival, the city was enveloped in a toxic haze due to continuous firecracker use, pushing the air quality index (AQI) to 342.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi experienced its most polluted post-Diwali morning in five years. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels soared to 488 micrograms per cubic metre, significantly higher than the pre-festival average of 156.6.

Firecrackers and Weather Conditions

Experts have attributed this year's pollution spike primarily to local firecracker emissions combined with calm winds and temperature inversion. "The high PM2.5 concentration is a result of local firecracker emissions across different parts of Delhi," said SK Dhaka, a professor at Rajdhani College, University of Delhi.

Dhaka further noted that even "so-called" green firecrackers contributed significantly to the particulate buildup. He emphasized the need for stricter checks on their quality and composition to mitigate pollution levels.

Health Implications

The deteriorating air quality has raised health concerns among medical professionals. Doctors warn that inhaling Delhi's air during such episodes is akin to smoking around 10 cigarettes daily. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease while increasing heart disease risks.

The Climate Trends study highlighted a consistent pattern of pollution spikes during Diwali night and the following morning from 2021 to 2025. This year's surge marked the highest since 2021, with PM2.5 levels rising from 163.1 to 454.5 in 2021 and reaching new peaks in subsequent years.

Monitoring Stations Report

At the time of reporting, several monitoring stations recorded 'very poor' AQI levels: Wazirpur at 397, Dwarka at 353, Ashok Vihar at 377, Anand Vihar at 355, Chandni Chowk at 332, and Najafgarh at 304.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", while levels between 301 and 400 are deemed "very poor". The current situation underscores the severity of Delhi's air pollution problem post-Diwali.

Public Response and Enforcement

Aarti Khosla, founder and director of Climate Trends, expressed disappointment over public indifference despite court bans on firecrackers. "It is disheartening that after years of witnessing the harmful effects of burning firecrackers, we still repeat the same mistake," she told PTI.

The persistent issue highlights enforcement gaps in regulations aimed at curbing pollution during festive seasons. Experts stress that addressing these gaps is crucial for improving air quality in Delhi.

The ongoing challenge of managing air pollution in Delhi requires concerted efforts from authorities and citizens alike. As experts continue to analyse data and propose solutions, it remains imperative for everyone to contribute towards cleaner air practices.