Delhi’s air quality has plummeted into the “severe” category following Diwali, with residents waking up to a thick, hazy smog. In response to the alarming pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Ashish Sood stated that firecrackers are not solely responsible and pointed fingers at both the public for violating Supreme Court orders on cracker usage and neighboring states for their role in the capital’s pollution.
Air Quality Hits Critical Levels
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 359, a “very poor” classification, by 11 am on Tuesday. This marked a significant increase from earlier in the day, with 35 out of 38 monitoring stations falling into the “red zone” – indicating “very poor” to “severe” air quality. Locations like Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, Bawana, and Burari registered AQI levels exceeding 400.
The situation worsened after Diwali night, with the 24-hour average AQI climbing from 345 on Monday to 359. Environmentalists have criticized this recurring crisis as a consequence of years of policy failures and weak enforcement, highlighting the severe impact on public health, particularly children’s respiratory systems.
Minister’s Remarks and Public Reaction
Sood’s comments, suggesting that “Delhi has no weather of its own” and that external factors and public behavior contribute significantly to the pollution, have drawn criticism. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s order to limit firecracker usage between 8 pm and 10 pm was flouted, with fireworks continuing late into the night.
The persistent pollution problem is exacerbated by the winter season, which typically sees crop residue burning in neighboring states and stagnant weather patterns trapping pollutants over the Delhi-NCR region. The visible smog has significantly reduced visibility, affecting daily life and tourism.
Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari called the current smog a “wake-up call,” emphasizing the dire health consequences, as respiratory infections already constitute a major portion of communicable diseases in India.