POLLUTION

As Diwali Approaches, Delhi's Yearly Air Pollution Begins; Yamuna Frothing, UP Buses Add to Worsening AQI

Representational Image (Piyal Bhattacharjee/BCCL Delhi) — Representational Image
(Piyal Bhattacharjee/BCCL Delhi)

Monday, October 21: On Sunday Delhi's air quality sharply deteriorated with the overall AQI at poor (277). Anand Vihar the worst 454, categorising it as 'severe' on Sunday morning. Other parts of the city also faced critical conditions, with Dwarka Sector-8 recording an AQI of 311, marked as 'very poor,' and ITO at 232, falling under the 'poor' category. A smog continued to blanket India Gate, Shakurpur and surrounding areas even on Monday morning.

With Diwali just around the corner, concerns over Delhi's air quality are growing more urgent. The festival of lights, while celebrated with great fervour, often results in a sharp spike in pollution levels due to the widespread use of firecrackers.

Yamuna River frothing adds to the crisis

The deteriorating air quality is compounded by another worrying factor: the frothing of the Yamuna River. Volatile organic pollutants such as phthalates, hydrocarbons, and pesticides evaporate from the contaminated river, further degrading the city’s already precarious air quality. These pollutants can transform into harmful secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) through chemical reactions with atmospheric oxidants, worsening the capital’s pollution problem.

Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity only accelerate this process, making it harder to control.

Government response and action plan

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions, aimed at combating Delhi’s pollution, came into effect on October 15. Measures such as increased street cleaning and dust control efforts have already been implemented. However, despite these efforts, AQI levels remain elevated.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasised the need to identify and control local pollution sources, especially from neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, whose buses are blamed for contributing to poor air quality in areas like Anand Vihar. Additionally, stubble burning from neighbouring states Punjab and Haryana further worsens air quality.

Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Rai conducted an inspection at Anand Vihar, promising further anti-pollution measures. These include dust control teams, the deployment of more than 300 smog guns, and discussions with Uttar Pradesh authorities to curb pollution from buses and effluents affecting Delhi’s air and water quality.

Meanwhile, political tensions have risen, with the opposition criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its inability to control Delhi's air pollution despite a decade in power. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla staged a protest at the city's Smog Tower, accusing the AAP of broken promises and ineffective policies.

Residents across Delhi are feeling the effects, with complaints of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and general discomfort.

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