Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to ‘Red Zone’ After Diwali Fireworks, Authorities Consider Stricter Measures

Delhi experienced a hazy and polluted morning on Tuesday, the day after Diwali, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) across most monitoring stations dipped into the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ categories. This deterioration is largely attributed to the fireworks lit during the festival. Consequently, anti-pollution measures, as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), are likely to be intensified to combat the worsening air quality in the national capital. Reports indicate that 34 out of 37 monitoring stations recorded pollution levels within the ‘red zone’. Despite the Supreme Court’s allowance for the use of green firecrackers with specific conditions, many continued to burst traditional fireworks beyond the permitted hours, contributing to the spike in pollution. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing air quality during festive periods.

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