Delhi Chokes: Dussehra Fuels Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi's air quality index (AQI) surged to 244 on Wednesday, marking the highest level in 100 days. This significant deterioration followed Dussehra celebrations, with authorities and experts pointing to a combination of firework emissions, adverse post-monsoon weather, vehicular pollution, and agricultural stubble burning as primary contributors.

Overnight monitoring revealed a worrying increase in particulate matter. PM10 levels peaked at 488 micrograms per cubic metre in Anand Vihar, while PM2.5 reached 305 micrograms per cubic metre in Punjabi Bagh, drastically exceeding the permissible standards of 100 and 60 micrograms per cubic metre, respectively.

Studies have documented the substantial impact of festive fireworks on PM2.5 levels, with one study indicating they accounted for over 85% of the measured elemental mass during Diwali festivities. As winter sets in, meteorological conditions such as shallower atmospheric boundary layers and temperature inversions are expected to further trap pollutants.

Adding to the pollution burden, farm fires in neighboring states are contributing to Delhi's air quality issues. On Wednesday, stubble burning accounted for approximately 4% of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution, though this is forecast to rise. Transport emissions remained the largest single source of pollution, contributing an estimated 21% of PM2.5.