Thick smog engulfs Delhi after Diwali celebrations, AQI hits ‘very poor’ category as citizens defy firecracker ban – India News

The relentless use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations engulfed Delhi in thick smoke, resulting in severe noise pollution and significantly reduced visibility. Despite a government ban on firecrackers, many residents defied the restrictions, contributing to a drastic decline in air quality.

Residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other areas in the National Capital Region awoke to a dense layer of toxic smoke the morning after Diwali. The widespread use of firecrackers on Diwali night, in defiance of a ban, resulted in severe noise pollution and significantly diminished visibility. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in Anand Vihar, Delhi, registered an AQI of 395 at 6 AM on Friday (November 1), placing it in the “very poor” category.

Data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) indicates that the worst air quality in the city was recorded at R K Puram, with an AQI of 398, placing it in the “very poor” category. Sonia Vihar, Anand Vihar, and Burari also reported AQI levels exceeding 395. In total, 36 monitoring stations recorded AQI values above 300.

Smog envelops Indian cities! Rising pollution levels grip Delhi, Mumbai – Watch videos

Delhi Air Pollution: AQI surges past 400 as city suffers under thick smog ahead of festivities

Delhi air pollution: Delhi AQI remains ‘very poor’, stands at 354

Smog blankets Delhi as AQI plummets to ‘very poor’ category, stands at 385

#WATCH | Delhi: A thin layer of smog engulfs the National Capital as the air quality continues to deteriorate.

As per the CPCB, the AQI of the area is 317, in the ‘very poor’ category.

(Visuals from India Gate) pic.twitter.com/nKvFMOPZrd

— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024

At 10 PM on Thursday (October 31), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330, classifying the air quality as “very poor.” Key areas like Anand Vihar experienced AQI levels that fell into the “severe” category, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching hazardous levels, posing serious health risks.

Delhiites ignore firecracker ban amid festivities

In stark contrast to last year’s Diwali, when favorable conditions kept the AQI at 218, this year’s celebrations have reverted Delhi to its infamous pollution levels. The situation was exacerbated by unfavorable weather, stubble burning in neighboring states, and ongoing vehicular emissions.

The Delhi government implemented a comprehensive ban on firecrackers on October 14, prohibiting their manufacturing, storage, sale, use, and online delivery. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had cautioned that pollution levels were likely to rise due to the overlap of Diwali celebrations and the stubble burning season this year. Despite the ban, reports indicated widespread violations throughout east and west Delhi, with firecrackers illuminating the sky in areas such as Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash.

Despite the Delhi government’s deployment of 377 enforcement teams and efforts to raise awareness through local associations, widespread violations of the firecracker ban were reported in neighborhoods across both east and west Delhi. The 24-hour average AQI jumped to 330, up from 307 the previous day.

Haryana, Punjab report AQI in ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories

Many areas in Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh reported air quality indices categorised as “poor.” As of 11 PM on Thursday, the AQI in Gurugram, Haryana, was recorded at 322, while Jind reported an AQI of 336 and Charkhi Dadri recorded 306, according to the Sameer app, which provides hourly updates on the national AQI from the CPCB.

Hazardous respiratory conditions

The smog-filled skies revived memories of the severe pollution crisis in 2020, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels surging to 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. These fine particles can penetrate the respiratory system, posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

To combat rising pollution, the Delhi government has imposed a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale, and use. Environment Minister Gopal Rai coordinated the enforcement efforts, working closely with resident welfare associations and local authorities.

Police were dispatched to monitor neighborhoods, with officials warning of legal action against violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for ignoring government orders. However, many areas, including Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash, saw significant firecracker activity.

According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), pollution levels are expected to peak in early November, coinciding with anticipated increases in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana. Over the years, Delhi’s air quality on Diwali has shown significant fluctuations, with AQI readings of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, and 414 in 2020. Despite ongoing government initiatives to reduce firecracker use, air pollution continues to spike during the festival, posing a persistent challenge for the city.

AQI in other parts of the country

Air quality in Mumbai also worsened, with an AQI of 172 classified as “moderate.” However, among the 22 monitoring stations in the city, nine recorded AQI levels in the “poor” category. Colaba in Navy Nagar had the highest pollution level, with an AQI of 305, followed by Sewri at 284, Kandivali at 252, Malad (West) at 232, Mindspace at 223, Byculla at 224, Kherwadi (Bandra East) at 220, Deonar at 203, and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) at 202.

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