Residents of Delhi are voicing their concerns about deteriorating air quality following Diwali, reporting increased breathing difficulties and irritation in their eyes. The post-festival smog has led to the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the ‘Very Poor’ category, with several areas falling into the ‘Severe’ zone.
Many residents feel a shared responsibility for the pollution. Sagar, a Delhi resident, commented, “Pollution has been increasing for years. People blame politicians, but we ourselves are responsible. We choose whether or not to burst firecrackers, and then complain about the government. We’re facing breathing problems and eye irritation.”
Ashish Ranjan, who was out for a run, noted the impact on physical activity, stating, “Breathing is difficult while running. I can’t breathe properly.” Another resident emphasized collective accountability: “It’s everyone’s responsibility. If each individual takes responsibility, the AQI can be controlled. Government action alone isn’t enough; as a society, we must take ownership.” The adherence to rules, such as using green crackers, was highlighted as a crucial step.
Surender Gupta observed a noticeable increase in discomfort compared to the previous year. “Last year, the pollution was less. Yesterday, during my morning walk, breathing was difficult, but today the problem has worsened.”
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s overall AQI at 359 as of Tuesday morning. Areas like Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur recorded AQI levels between 405 and 432, classifying them under the ‘Severe’ category. The CPCB outlines that ‘Very Poor’ AQI can cause breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals, while ‘Severe’ AQI impacts even healthy people and exacerbates existing health conditions.
An AQI scale typically ranges from 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderate), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and 401-500 (Severe).
The Supreme Court had previously permitted the sale and use of green fireworks under specific conditions in the lead-up to Diwali. In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had already implemented Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region.