Delhi is once again grappling with deteriorating air quality, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the ‘severe’ category just a day after Diwali celebrations. This annual phenomenon has reignited discussions about the multiple factors contributing to the alarming pollution levels.
While the Supreme Court had set specific guidelines for firecracker usage during Diwali, many reportedly flouted these rules. Simultaneously, stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab, remains a significant concern. These two primary factors, compounded by Delhi’s unique meteorological conditions, create a perfect storm for severe air pollution.
However, accountability for Delhi’s pollution remains elusive, with political leaders quick to shift blame. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pointed fingers at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government, accusing them of failing to curb stubble burning. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya asserted, “Unless Arvind Kejriwal–ruled Punjab stops burning stubble, Delhi and NCR will continue to choke.” He emphasized that the pollution stems from the stubble smoke rather than the festival itself.
In response, Delhi’s Minister Ashish Sood suggested that citizens themselves are responsible for the increased pollution, citing the disregard for the Supreme Court’s firecracker timings. He stated, “Delhi has no weather of its own; many factors determine the weather and pollution levels here, and adjacent states also have a role to play.”
The opposition, meanwhile, has criticized the Delhi government for its perceived inaction, questioning the absence of planned measures like artificial rain. AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj questioned the government’s promises and alleged collusion with private hospitals.
Even political figures like Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra weighed in, seemingly taking a jab at the Supreme Court while highlighting the issue of potentially fake ‘green’ firecrackers and the lack of a proper differentiation mechanism.
The grim reality is that Delhi’s AQI has alarmingly worsened, with many areas like Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur recording AQI levels exceeding 401, firmly in the ‘severe’ category. This situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative action and effective policy implementation to combat the perennial air pollution crisis in the capital.