The vibrant celebrations of Diwali in India’s capital, Delhi, have left the city shrouded in a thick, toxic haze. Despite court orders and the promotion of ‘green’ firecrackers, many people defied the restrictions, bursting fireworks late into the night. This widespread use of pyrotechnics, even the supposedly eco-friendlier options, has exacerbated the already poor air quality in the city.
Delhi, perpetually struggling with air pollution due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and dust, experienced a sharp decline in air quality following the festival. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in many parts of the city reached ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ levels, with PM 2.5 concentrations soaring to levels considered dangerous by global health standards. The World Health Organization’s recommended 24-hour exposure limit for PM 2.5 is 15 micrograms per cubic metre, but parts of Delhi saw levels exceeding this by over 24 times.
The air pollution problem in Delhi typically worsens during winter months. Factors like stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring states and stable atmospheric conditions trap pollutants, including smoke from fireworks, close to the ground, making breathing difficult and hazardous. For several years, firecrackers have been banned in Delhi during Diwali to combat this issue. However, the ban was not always strictly enforced, and traditional crackers remained available, leading to their continued use.
While India’s Supreme Court had recently relaxed the total ban, allowing the use of ‘green’ crackers – claimed to produce fewer pollutants and less ash – critics argue that even these still release harmful substances into the atmosphere. Reports indicate that despite the court’s allowance for limited ‘green’ cracker usage during specific hours on Diwali, the sound of fireworks continued well past midnight in many areas.
On the morning after Diwali, reporters described the city as being filled with smoke, with poor visibility and a gritty, ash-like taste in the mouth. Tall buildings were obscured by a dense smog, highlighting the immediate impact of the celebrations on air quality. Experts express concern that the relaxation of rules might undermine the growing public awareness about the severe health risks associated with air pollution.
The city’s air quality had already been a major concern for weeks leading up to Diwali, with the AQI consistently in the ‘very poor’ category. Authorities had implemented measures such as restricting the use of diesel generators and banning coal and firewood burning to mitigate the pollution levels. Despite these efforts, the post-Diwali haze serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenge Delhi faces in maintaining breathable air.