New Delhi : A sudden and severe increase in pollution levels has been observed in Delhi on the occasion of Diwali. According to the data of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the pollution level has increased at various pollution measuring stations in the capital. Pollution levels increased rapidly in most areas after 5 pm, with concentrations at many stations being less than 100 μg/m cube, rising to more than 300–400 by 8 pm.
There was a sharp rise in PM 2.5 concentrations in the initial hours of burning of Diwali crackers at prominent places in Delhi like RK Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Pusa, Nehru Nagar and Patparganj. According to the agency, the city's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 328 at 4 pm, which was 307 on Wednesday.
Delhi's air quality remained in the “very poor” category on Diwali, and is expected to reach the “severe” category due to burning of firecrackers at night. The air quality in Anand Vihar was very poor on Thursday morning, with the AQI recorded in the “severe” category. At 8 am, Anand Vihar's average AQI (PM10) stood at 419, while the maximum reached 500.
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The Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers. On the eve of Diwali, Environment Minister Gopal Rai had formed 377 teams to enforce the ban on firecrackers in the national capital.
Delhi residents experienced relatively clear skies on Diwali in 2023, with AQI recorded at 218, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Last year it was 312, 382 in 2021, and 414 in 2020. Last year, reduced incidents of stubble burning and rain before Diwali had helped keep pollution levels under control this year. However, now that the pollutant levels have increased, this situation is making Delhi's air worrisome again, due to which the capital seems to be turning into a gas chamber once again.
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