Delhi, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, is unfortunately infamous for its poor air quality as well. The air pollution levels here are often among the worst in the world, posing significant health risks to the residents.
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Diwali, the festival of lights, exacerbates the issue. It has been no different in 2024 either. Later in this article, we will discuss how things went this year. The air quality index on Diwali went up to 328, the worst in the last three years.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves the bursting of firecrackers, which release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, can have severe health consequences, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
Air Quality Index (AQI): A Measure of Air Pollution
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted the air is, and how it may affect your health. An AQI value of 50 or below indicates good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality.
Diwali’s Dark Cloud: A Spike in Pollution
In the days leading up to and following Diwali, Delhi’s AQI often soars to hazardous levels. For instance, in 2023, the AQI in Delhi reached a peak of 462 on Diwali day, a significant increase from the previous day’s reading of 326. This alarming rise highlights the immediate and severe impact of firecracker emissions on air quality.
Delhi AQI After Diwali 2024
Disregarding the official government ban, Delhi residents celebrated Diwali with crackers and fireworks this year as well. This has resulted in the air quality index after Diwali falling to unprecedented lows.
As residents in various neighbourhoods like Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, and Dwarka celebrated with firecrackers, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit “very poor” levels across multiple regions.
At 9 am, the AQI reached 327, with monitoring stations like Alipur and Anand Vihar consistently reporting degraded air quality. Real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city’s AQI at 328 by 4 pm, marking it as Delhi’s most polluted Diwali in three years.
Comparing AQI levels over the years, last year saw better air quality at 218, aided by fewer stubble-burning incidents and rain before the festival. This year, however, the pollutant levels were high, with PM2.5 reaching 144 µg/m³ and PM10 recorded at 273 µg/m³. These pose significant respiratory risks.
While neighbouring areas like Faridabad and Noida experienced slightly better conditions within the “poor” range, Delhi’s AQI approached the threshold of “severe.”
The city government has continued its annual ban on firecrackers, and ahead of Diwali, Environment Minister Gopal Rai mobilized 377 teams to enforce this ban with support from local organizations and law enforcement. Authorities have also warned of legal consequences for violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to government order violations.
A Growing Crisis: Delhi’s Deteriorating Air Quality
The problem of air pollution in Delhi is not new. Over the years, the city’s air quality has steadily deteriorated due to factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
The poor air quality in Delhi during winter is largely attributed to unfavourable weather patterns, vehicle emissions, firecrackers, and increased stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana, peaking from early to mid-November.
While the government has implemented various measures to address this, including stronger enforcement activities, introduction of stricter emission norms and promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), the actual impact of these has been limited.
A Contradiction: Clean Energy vs. Festive Pollution
The push for electric vehicles is a step in the right direction, as EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. However, events like Diwali, with their emphasis on firecracker usage, undermine these efforts. The irony lies in the fact that while we strive to clean the air with modern technology, traditional practices continue to pollute it.
To mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, it is crucial to strike a balance between cultural traditions and environmental concerns. Promoting eco-friendly Diwali celebrations, such as lighting diyas and candles, can help reduce air pollution without compromising the festive spirit. Additionally, stricter enforcement of pollution control measures and increased public awareness campaigns can contribute to improving Delhi’s air quality.
Government Initiatives and Public Awareness
To address the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has implemented various measures, including stricter emission norms for vehicles, promoting the use of public transportation, and encouraging the adoption of cleaner fuels. However, these efforts often fall short of mitigating the impact of seasonal events like Diwali.
The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Delhi
To ensure a sustainable future for Delhi, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and investing in green infrastructure.
