POLLUTION

Diwali Hangover: Delhi AQI Crosses Hazardous Levels of 1000 In Many Areas As Firework Ban Goes Up In Flames

Thick smog engulfs Delhi after Diwali (Tarun Rawat/BCCL) — Thick smog engulfs Delhi after Diwali
(Tarun Rawat/BCCL)

Monday, November 13: Diwali celebrations took a dark turn for Delhiites as they woke up wrapped in a thick blanket of hazy smoke this morning. Worrying reports showing the air quality index (AQI) in the city flew past the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ marks and went straight for hazardous in many areas like Anand Vihar (849), Pusa Road (970) and India Gate (999) have emerged since yesterday. But we can’t say the authorities didn’t see this coming.

Stubble burning in the neighbouring states and low temperatures religiously ensure that Delhi’s air quality takes a hit this time of the year. Add to this poisonous cocktail a dash of Diwali and it turns the city into a veritable gas chamber. And this year was no exception.

After intermittent rains and favourable winds cleansed Delhi of pollutants on Friday, residents enjoyed relatively clear skies and lower air pollution levels on Saturday and most of Sunday. In fact, the national capital recorded its best Diwali day AQI in eight years on Sunday, its 24-hour average standing at 218 at around 4 PM. However, relief was short-lived.

Foreseeing the rise in air pollution levels, the Supreme Court found it necessary to place a ban on the manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks in the city ahead of the important festival. But citizens seem to have had a hard time following the decree and ended up bursting crackers late into the night on Sunday.

Hourly PM2.5 and PM10 levels soared past 1000 in areas like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and RK Puram between 11 PM and 4 AM after residents flouted the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night. As per SAFAR, the national capital’s AQI stood at 445 as of 11:30 AM today, which is an improvement from the early morning hours but still severe.

For context, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good"; 51 and 100 "satisfactory"; 101 and 200 "moderate"; 201 and 300 "poor"; 301 and 400 "very poor"; and 401 and 500 "severe".

Between Sunday evening and Monday morning, the AQI data also showed that the concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter was 20 times higher than the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended maximum. Consequently, doctors expect the residual smoke from firecrackers that continues to linger in Delhi’s air could cause itchy eyes and irritation in the throat in residents.

In order to minimise the impacts of air pollution, Delhiites are advised to avoid all physical activity outdoors, stop any activity level in case of unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. Windows must be kept shut and people are advised against burning anything, such as wood, candles or even incense. N-95 masks or P-100 respirators may help if one goes out.

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