'Firecracker Went Off Every Second': Delhi's Diwali Celebrations Trigger Hazardous Pollution Levels

Delhi: The national capital’s skies turned hazy and the air filled with dense smoke on Thursday night as people celebrated Diwali with a relentless display of firecrackers, defying the city’s ban. The celebrations blanketed the capital in pollution, resulting in “very poor” air quality and bringing back memories of some of Delhi’s worst smog-filled Diwali nights. At 10 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city reached 330, with areas like Anand Vihar plunging into the "severe" category as the levels of PM2.5 particles soared to hazardous highs, posing serious health risks.A resident from Delhi’s Rohini told Times Now, “Last year, it was slightly better, but this year, I could hear a cracker go off every second.”

Spike in Pollution LevelsThis year’s festivities stood in stark contrast to last year, when clearer skies and favourable conditions kept the AQI at a much lower 218 on Diwali. Thursday’s pollution was worsened by unfavourable weather, emissions from stubble burning, and vehicle pollution. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noted that surrounding areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, managed to remain in the “poor” category, while Faridabad registered a relatively moderate AQI of 181. However, as pollution from local sources and stubble burning surged, the smog extended over the Delhi-NCR region.The city’s 24-hour average AQI climbed to 330, up from 307 the previous day. The PM2.5 and PM10 levels rose significantly, with readings of 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic metre by 9 pm, making the air particularly hazardous for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Enforcement Efforts and Widespread DefianceIn an attempt to curb pollution, the Delhi government imposed a strict ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, outlawing their production, storage, sale, and use. Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai mobilised 377 enforcement teams to work alongside resident welfare associations, market committees, and social groups to enforce the ban, stating, “We’re committed to keeping Delhi’s air safe, and our teams are dedicated to ensuring compliance.” Police were also deployed across neighbourhoods with officials warning of legal repercussions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for those defying the ban. Despite these efforts, there were widespread reports of violations, particularly in east and west Delhi. Areas like Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash lit up with firecrackers, flouting restrictions. Neighbourhoods were engulfed in thick smoke and echoed with the sound of firecrackers late into the night. Rising Trend in Diwali PollutionDelhi’s Diwali pollution has followed a troubling trend over recent years, with the city recording an AQI of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, and 414 in 2020. Despite the ban and awareness campaigns, the air quality deteriorates around this time each year, with conditions particularly dire in the winter months when weather patterns trap pollutants in the atmosphere.The DPCC expects pollution levels to peak in early November as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana intensifies. These activities, combined with Delhi’s own local emissions from vehicles and industries, are anticipated to worsen the smog, making the air quality even more hazardous. Health ImplicationsThe surge in PM2.5 levels poses severe health risks. These fine particles can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, affecting respiratory health. Health officials warn that the spike in pollution could particularly impact those with pre-existing respiratory issues, with children and the elderly at heightened risk.Though the city’s measures aimed at reducing pollution continue, the challenge of curbing Diwali pollution remains significant, as efforts to enforce firecracker bans are regularly met with resistance. As Delhi battles with seasonal pollution, the need for stricter enforcement and public cooperation becomes increasingly critical to ensure a safer environment for all. With inputs from ANI