Post-Diwali: A Toxic Layer of Smog Engulfs the Capital and Noida, With Air Quality Expected to Deteriorate Further
Image Source: MSN
Residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other parts of the NCR woke to a thick blanket of toxic smoke after Diwali, as many defied the firecracker ban on Thursday night, leading to severe noise pollution and reduced visibility. Several areas in Haryana also reported AQI levels in the “poor” and “very poor” categories on Diwali night. In Anand Vihar, Delhi, the AQI was classified as “very poor” at 395 at 6 a.m. on November 1, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). By Thursday night, Anand Vihar’s AQI had dropped into the “severe” range, with PM2.5 levels spiked and posing significant respiratory risks. Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh reported “poor” AQI levels in several areas. As of 11 p.m. Thursday, Gurugram in Haryana recorded an AQI of 322, Jind 336, and Charkhi Dadri 306, as per the Sameer app, which updates the national AQI hourly based on CPCB data.
This year’s Diwali reversed the clearer skies of last year, when favorable conditions kept the AQI at 218. Due to unfavorable weather, stubble burning, and vehicle emissions, Delhi’s pollution levels surged to their notorious high. New Delhi, one of India’s cities with the poorest air quality, often finds itself shrouded in toxic gray smog the day after Diwali. Although the Delhi government and some other states have banned firecrackers since 2017, encouraging eco-friendly alternatives, many residents still flout the rule, with firecrackers readily available from street vendors.
Some Delhi residents believe the ban has little impact, while others see it as essential to controlling pollution.
Current Area-wise AQI in Delhi:
- Anand Vihar: 395 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- Ashok Vihar: 324 (PM10 pollutant)
- Burari Crossing: 394 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- Chandni Chowk: 336 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- Dwarka-Sector 8: 375 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- IGI Airport (T3): 375 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- Jahangirpuri: 387 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- Mundka: 370 (PM2.5 pollutant)
- RK Puram: 395 (PM2.5 pollutant)
Despite 377 enforcement teams and awareness efforts by the Delhi government, large-scale noncompliance was reported across East and West Delhi. The city’s 24-hour average AQI rose to 330, up from 307 the previous day.
Smoggy skies recalled the “severe” pollution of 2020, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels reaching 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic meter at 9 p.m., threatening health, especially among children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Police teams patrolled neighborhoods, warning of legal action for violating the ban under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Reports indicated that many in East and West Delhi disregarded the firecracker ban, with displays lighting up areas such as Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash. Nearby regions—Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram—maintained “poor” AQI levels, while Faridabad reported a more moderate AQI of 181 on Thursday night.
However, weather conditions, vehicle emissions, local pollutants, and stubble burning in nearby states intensified the Delhi-NCR smog, a recurring issue that worsens with winter’s arrival. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) expects pollution to peak in early November as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana increases.
Delhi’s Diwali AQI has fluctuated in recent years, with readings of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, and 414 in 2020. Despite efforts to limit fireworks use, air pollution spikes during the festival.
AQI categories are as follows: ‘good’ (0–50),’satisfactory’ (51–100),’moderate’ (101–200), ‘poor’ (201–300),’very poor’ (301–400),’severe’ (401–450), and’severe plus’ (above 450).
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