Delhi’s Defiance of Diwali Firecracker Ban Leads to 140% Surge in Lung-Harming Pollutants
Image Source: Financial Times
Despite the Supreme Court’s ban on fireworks during Diwali, the Delhi-NCR region embraced a fiery celebration, prompting a resurgence in air pollution. The aftermath reveals a staggering 140% surge in PM2.5, a key lung-affecting pollutant, reinstating concerns about the region’s air quality.
The temporary respite from the capital’s notorious air quality was short-lived. Diwali witnessed a blatant disregard for the court’s firecracker ban, plunging Delhi and its surrounding areas back into the familiar battle against pollution. Consequently, a noticeable uptick in pollutants has propelled the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “poor quality” category.
Delhi bore witness to a startling 140% escalation in PM2.5, the primary pollutant known for its detrimental impact on lung health. With an hourly average of 200.8 µg/m3 at 7 am, the levels soared well above the previous day’s 83.5, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported by NDTV.
Monitoring stations, notably at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, exhibited alarming figures, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the 24-hour standard by more than 20-fold during Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Additionally, PM10 levels also surged, surpassing the 24-hour standard by 15 to 16 times at various monitoring stations. At Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, PM10 concentrations peaked at 162 µg/m3 at 2 am, well beyond the designated standard of 100. The levels consistently exceeded 1,000 between 11 pm and 4 am, dropping to 467 by 8 am on Monday, according to data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) as reported by The Indian Express.
Areas like RK Puram witnessed a substantial rise in pollution, evident in PM10 concentrations reaching 165 µg/m3 at 7 pm and surging to a staggering 1380 at 11 pm on Sunday before tapering to 405 by Monday.
The AQI maintained a “poor” average, registering at 283 by 8 am on Monday, a significant deterioration from the 218 recorded at 3 pm on Sunday. Alarmingly, Anand Vihar’s AQI hit a “hazardous” level of 849 on Monday at 7 am, reflecting the severity of the air quality crisis.
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, expressed concern and initiated a meeting to assess the pollution situation. Rai highlighted a reduction in firecracker activity this year but criticized the lack of preventive measures, pointing out the absence of appeals to refrain from fireworks in targeted areas, attributing this failure to the government’s stance.
As Delhi grapples with the repercussions of Diwali revelry, the surge in pollutants and its adverse effects on air quality serve as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment and public health.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Saman Sheikh, with a passion for unravelling the complex web of global events and their implications, brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to the world of journalism. She is dedicated to keeping readers informed about the ever-evolving landscape of global politics, economics, and diplomacy, making sense of the world's most pressing issues. Saman is known for her expertise in deciphering global rivalries and shedding light on diplomatic intricacies.
Latest entries
News2 December 2023Top World Leaders Speak at UN Climate Summit
News30 November 2023Middle East Conflict Fuels Global Surge in Arms Sales
News30 November 2023NATO Allies Affirm Unwavering Support for Ukraine Amid Rising Concerns of Russian Threats and Energy Attacks
News29 November 2023Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: A Mountain Moved, 41 Rescued
