New Delhi: The sky of Delhi lit up on Thursday night when people ignored the ban on firecrackers and burst firecrackers on a large scale. Loud firecrackers were seen burning in various areas of the city, such as Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, Chhatarpur, East of Kailash, Saket, Rohini, and Dwarka.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 327 at 9 pm. The air quality in many areas, such as Alipore, Anand Vihar, and Ashok Vihar, was in the 'very poor' category. On Diwali, Delhi's average AQI stood at 328, the worst in the last three years.
Like every year, this year too the government had imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers. However, when people woke up in the morning, they saw a thick blanket of haze in the sky. The air in Anand Vihar remained the most polluted, with the air quality index reaching the 'severe' category.
Also read – Delhi's air became poisonous, AQI broke all records on Diwali night.
According to CPCB data, the sky was clear and sunny on Diwali in 2023, with the AQI recorded at 218. In the last four years, these numbers have been 312 (2022), 382 (2021), 414 (2020), 337 (2019), 281 (2018), 319 (2017), and 431 (2016) respectively.
This year, with an increase in pollution due to firecrackers, the PM 2.5 level was recorded at 144 micrograms per cubic meter and the PM 10 level at 273 micrograms per cubic meter at 8 pm. These microscopic particles can cause serious health problems. Delhi's neighboring cities, such as Faridabad, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, had slightly better air quality, but they were also in the 'poor' category.
Keeping this situation in mind, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that 377 teams have been formed to enforce the ban on firecrackers. The authorities have tried to spread awareness in collaboration with resident welfare associations and social organizations. Officials have warned that legal action will be taken against those found violating the order. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, pollution in the city peaks between November 1 and 15, when incidents of stubble burning increase in Punjab and Haryana.
Also read – Government's big claim, 29% reduction in incidents of stubble burning in Haryana
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