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Delhi Chokes: Diwali Fires Fuel Air Crisis
9 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's AQI hit 366 on Monday, categorized as 'very poor'.
- Diwali firecracker emissions severely worsened air quality.
- Supreme Court regulated green firecracker use amid pollution.
Delhi awoke to a severe pollution spell on Monday, November 4, 2024, a day after Diwali celebrations. Firecracker emissions dramatically worsened the national capital's air quality, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 366, categorized as 'very poor'. The average AQI on Sunday, November 3, was 376, up from 369 the previous day.
Analysis by HT revealed that PM2.5 concentrations rose significantly from 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM on Diwali night, exceeding India's 24-hour standard by over four times. Even before widespread firecracker use, Delhi's air quality was in the 'very poor' category. Visibility was also reduced across the city.
The Supreme Court had permitted the sale and use of certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, between specific hours, as a regulated approach. However, the court emphasized that a complete ban would resume from November 9, noting previous enforcement failures and violations regarding conventional firecrackers.
This situation is compounded by other pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, which were the biggest contributor on Sunday, and stubble burning from neighboring states. Unfavorable weather conditions, characterized by low ventilation and wind speed, further hinder the dispersal of pollutants, creating an ongoing air quality crisis.
