Diwali pollution: Delhi blanketed in severe smog as firecrackers violate SC time limits

PTC Web Desk: Delhi woke up to severe air pollution on Tuesday, a day after Diwali, as relentless bursting of firecrackers ignored the Supreme Court-mandated time slots. The air quality index (AQI) reached 451 at 7 am, nearly twice the national safe limit, as toxic haze enveloped the city.

On Diwali night, the AQI had already dipped into the ‘very poor’ category, while satellite cities Noida and Gurgaon recorded AQI levels of 407 and 402, respectively. Monitoring stations across Delhi reported severe pollution, including Wazirpur (435), Dwarka (422), Ashok Vihar (445), and Anand Vihar (440).

For context, AQI levels are categorised as:

0–50: Good

51–100: Satisfactory

101–200: Moderate

201–300: Poor

301–400: Very Poor

401–500: Severe

Since 2020, firecrackers have been restricted in Delhi due to worsening winter pollution. This year, the Supreme Court allowed green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region from October 18 to 20, permitting use only during 6–7 am and 8–10 pm. However, most residents disregarded the time limits, igniting crackers before and after the permitted hours. Experts warn that even green crackers can worsen pollution, especially under unfavourable weather conditions.

The Delhi Fire Services received 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, though no major accidents or casualties were reported.

Due to the absence of strong winds, smog is expected to linger over Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing measures such as intensified dust control, expanded public transport services, and restrictions on diesel generator use.

Daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads have begun to manage pollution. The weather department forecasts partly cloudy skies in the mornings, with maximum temperatures between 31–33°C and minimums around 20–22°C, slightly above seasonal norms.