Delhiites woke up to a harrowing morning on Friday, the day after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reading shot up to over 350 in several areas, pushing the national capital into the 'very poor' category.
As per the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI readings were 395 in Anand Vihar where a thick layer of smog engulfed the sky, 352 in Aya Nagar, 390 in Jahangirpuri, and 376 in Dwarka. The AQI at India Gate was around 317 as hundreds of joggers and cyclists struggled to breath.
Pollution levels began to rise on Thursday night itself as people violated firecracker rules despite the ban. Dense smoke shrouded the city during night reducing visibility. The AQI then was 330.
The PM2.5 concentrations soared creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health. This is worse than the last year and reminiscent of the 2020 levels wherein the PM2.5 and PM10 levels surged to 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. In 2023, the sky was clearer during Diwali day with AQI at 218.
Besides using firecrackers, unfavourable meteorological conditions, stubble burning and vehicular emissions also contributed to the polluition.
Stephen, a resident of Delhi, told ANI that the pollution levels shot up abruptly this time. "Just a few days ago, there was nothing, and now my brother has fallen sick," he said, adding that his family struggled with sleep due to the firecrackers and pollution levels. "While cycling, it's hard to keep our eyes open," he complained.
Another cyclist too reported feeling uneasy, including suffocation and throat pain, due to the widespread use of firecrackers.
Ban violated
The Delhi government had banned firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale and use, this year too but widespread flouting of norms was reported. This is despite the authorities setting up 377 enforcement teams and conducting awareness sessions through local associations to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban.
Firecrackers were used widely in neighbourhoods across east and west Delhi.
Stubble burning
Stubble burning continues to be an issue this year too despite the government initiating strict action against those who do it. Farm leaders say the machinery provided for the purpose is unavailable for small farmers.
"Farmers are compelled to burn the stubble. The small farmers do not have the required machines and the delays in selling paddy in the mandis lead farmers to resort to burning. The government needs to provide good facilities and equipment to the farmers," farm leader, Lakhwinder Aulakh to ANI.