Delhi-NCR’s air quality deteriorated sharply a day after Diwali celebrations, as widespread bursting of firecrackers shrouded the city in a toxic haze.
The average air quality index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 451 at 7 am on Tuesday nearly twice the national average falling under the ‘severe’ category.
Despite the Supreme Court’s restrictions allowing only “green crackers” during two time slots, residents across Delhi and its adjoining cities flouted the rules, with firecrackers lighting up the sky well beyond the permitted hours.
The persistent smoke and stagnant weather conditions contributed to a sharp rise in pollution levels.
The satellite cities of Noida and Gurgaon also recorded hazardous air, with AQI readings of 407 and 402 respectively on Tuesday morning.
Several monitoring stations across Delhi reported alarming levels, including Wazirpur (435), Dwarka (422), Ashok Vihar (445), and Anand Vihar (440), all categorised as ‘severe’.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 to 100 “satisfactory”, 101 to 200 “moderate”, 201 to 300 “poor”, 301 to 400 “very poor”, and 401 to 500 “severe”.
This year’s post-Diwali air quality is notably worse than last year, when the average AQI was recorded at 359, categorised as ‘very poor’. Since 2020, the Delhi government has enforced a blanket ban on firecrackers during Diwali to curb seasonal pollution, but implementation has often fallen short.
The Supreme Court this year allowed the use of green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region between October 18 and 20, strictly within two designated time windows from 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
However, reports from across the city suggested widespread non-compliance, with crackers bursting hours before and after the set timings. Experts have pointed out that even green crackers, when combined with stagnant atmospheric conditions, can release harmful pollutants.
According to the Delhi Fire Services, 269 emergency calls were received on Diwali night. Fortunately, there were no reports of major accidents, loss of life, or serious injuries.
Also Read : Crackers ignite Diwali; Delhi's AQI enters 'very poor' zone
Smog likely to persist
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had already activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) last week in anticipation of worsening air quality. The measures include intensified dust control, expansion of public transport, and restrictions on diesel generator sets.
Municipal authorities in Delhi-NCR have increased daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads to settle dust particles.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that smoggy conditions are likely to persist due to weak surface winds. Partly cloudy skies are expected in some parts of the city during the morning hours.
The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may hover between 20 and 22 degrees.
The IMD said the minimum temperature is likely to be 1–3 degrees above normal, while the maximum temperature will stay close to the seasonal average.
With pollution levels continuing to rise, authorities are expected to intensify enforcement measures in the coming days, as Delhi once again finds itself gasping for clean air after yet another ‘green’ Diwali gone up in smoke.
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