Delhi air quality tumbles as residents flout Supreme Court's Diwali firecracker ban

Commuters make their way along a road amid heavy smoggy conditions in New Delhi on November 13, 2023. Delhi regularly ranks among the most polluted major cities on the planet, with a melange of factory and vehicle emissions exacerbated by seasonal agricultural fires. Pic/AFP

Despite a ban on firecrackers during Diwali night, Delhi witnessed a surge in pollution levels on Monday morning, with a smoky haze engulfing the city. Residents flouted the restrictions, leading to a jump in pollution levels, especially amid low temperatures.

On Diwali day, the city had recorded its best air quality in eight years, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 218. However, the morning after Diwali saw a significant deterioration, with the AQI standing at 275 (poor category) at 7 am and rising to 322 by noon. Some areas, including Ayanagar, Central Road Research Institute, and Pusa, experienced pollution levels nearing the "severe" category.

Firecracker bursting contributed to elevated concentrations of PM2.5, with levels exceeding the safe limit in several areas. Okhla and Jahangirpuri recorded PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter in the early morning hours.

While the city experienced clear skies and improved air quality ahead of Diwali, the aftermath reflects the challenges of enforcing a firework ban and addressing the persistent air pollution issue in Delhi. Last year, Delhi saw a reduction in pollution post-Diwali due to a decrease in stubble burning incidents, rain, and early festivities.

The Decision Support System estimates that stubble burning accounted for 35% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi on Diwali day, with transport contributing 12 to 14% to the city's air pollution in recent days.

Despite a comprehensive ban on firecrackers, the challenge lies in ensuring strict adherence to regulations and addressing multiple sources of pollution, including stubble burning and vehicular emissions.

Following the Diwali festivities, Mumbai finds itself shrouded in a layer of haze, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting into the 'poor' category.

Also read: Following Diwali festivities, Mumbai shrouded in a layer of haze; air quality sinks to 'poor'

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India) reported an overall AQI of 234, indicating 'poor' air quality for the city. Specific areas within Mumbai witnessed varying levels, with Borivali at 307, Kalanagar at 312, Chembur at 334, and Worli at 134, according to SAFAR-India.

This decline comes in the aftermath of widespread fireworks during Diwali night, as evident from visuals of several places in the city, where revelers enthusiastically lit up crackers.

Just earlier this week, Mumbai's overall AQI stood at 149, categorizing it as 'moderate.'

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a communication tool, simplifying complex air quality data into a single index value, providing clarity through nomenclature and color. Ranging from 0 to 100, the AQI is considered good, moderate from 100 to 200, poor from 200 to 300, very poor from 300 to 400, and severe for values above 400. (With inputs from agencies)