Residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding areas woke up to hazardous air quality on November 1, following widespread firecracker use that defied a government ban on Diwali night. The toxic haze significantly reduced visibility and contributed to alarming noise pollution levels.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Anand Vihar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 395, classifying it as “very poor.” The AQI in several areas spiked into the “severe” category during the night, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching hazardous levels that pose serious risks to respiratory health.
Other regions in Haryana also experienced poor air quality, with Gurugram’s AQI at 322 and Jind at 336. Comparatively, last year’s Diwali saw an AQI of 218, aided by favorable weather conditions. This year, however, a combination of adverse meteorological factors, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions exacerbated pollution levels.
Despite a ban on firecrackers that has been in place since 2017, many residents reported rampant violations, with firecrackers readily available from roadside vendors. While some see the ban as ineffective, others advocate for stricter measures to combat pollution.
Average AQI levels across various locations in Delhi today included:
Anand Vihar: 395 (PM2.5)
Burari Crossing: 394 (PM2.5)
Chandni Chowk: 336 (PM2.5)
IGI Airport (T3): 375 (PM2.5)
RK Puram: 395 (PM2.5)
The Delhi government deployed 377 enforcement teams to monitor compliance with the ban. However, reports of large-scale disregard were common, particularly in neighborhoods such as Punjabi Bagh and East of Kailash. Police warned of legal action against violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
As the smog enveloped the city, memories of previous severe pollution events resurfaced. On November 1, PM2.5 and PM10 levels surged to alarming figures, highlighting ongoing health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) anticipates worsening air quality in early November due to expected increases in stubble burning from neighboring states. Over recent years, Delhi has seen significant fluctuations in air quality during Diwali, with AQI figures of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, and a staggering 414 in 2020.
The ongoing air quality crisis in Delhi underscores the challenges of balancing cultural celebrations with public health and environmental sustainability, as efforts to curtail pollution during festive seasons continue to face obstacles.
