Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Despite the official ban on firecrackers, Delhi witnessed a noticeable spike in both air and noise pollution following Diwali celebrations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) revealed a concerning "very poor" level, peaking at 362 early in the morning after Diwali. Although a slight improvement was observed by the afternoon with the AQI dropping to 339, the levels of pollution remained alarmingly high. These fluctuations come amidst expectations of a "severe" air quality rating, which was fortunately avoided thanks to favorable wind conditions and higher than normal temperatures.
The aftermath of Diwali festivities also saw an increase in noise pollution across Delhi, with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) noting significant rises from 6 p.m. to midnight. Despite stringent bans on firecrackers, numerous neighborhoods blatantly disregarded these restrictions, contributing to the heightened pollution levels. Environmental advocate Vimalendu Jha remarked, "Despite the ban, firecrackers were burst in Delhi-NCR. However, the air quality did not reach the severe category as the winds helped improve the situation." He also warned that upcoming weather conditions might worsen the pollution levels.
Exacerbated Health Risks and Reporting of Fire Incidents
This year's Diwali brought not just pollution but also a spike in fire-related incidents and health issues. Hospitals across Delhi reported more than 280 instances of burn injuries due to firecrackers, with Safdarjung Hospital seeing the highest number of cases. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and LNJP Hospital also reported dozens of injuries. Most injuries were minor, but there were severe cases that required hospitalization. Besides health issues, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) responded to over 300 fire-related emergencies, marking the highest number in the past 13 years. A DFS official attributed this surge to the widespread use of firecrackers.
Monitoring and Enforcement Challenges
In an effort to curb firecracker use, Delhi's government had deployed 377 enforcement teams and sought cooperation from local associations. However, these efforts faced significant challenges, particularly due to the easy availability of firecrackers in neighboring areas. Rajiv Kakria, convenor of Save Our City (SOC), highlighted the difficulty in enforcing the ban, pointing out that "The porous Delhi-NCR borders make it easy for people to buy firecrackers without any difficulty. It is challenging to impose the ban because while firecrackers are banned in Delhi, those can be easily obtained from neighboring areas."
Government and Expert Responses to Pollution Levels
In response to the situation, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, expressed gratitude towards residents who adhered to the firecracker ban, acknowledging their role in preventing a more severe dip in air quality. "Thanks to the responsible actions of many residents who avoided using firecrackers, we managed to avoid a severe AQI reading," Rai stated. Additionally, Mahesh Palawat, vice president of meteorology and climate change at Skymet, emphasized the positive impact of northwest winds in dispersing pollutants, which helped in keeping the pollution levels from soaring too high.
