Delhi Chokes on Diwali Smog Despite Firecracker Ban
Residents of India's capital faced hazardous air quality on Monday morning after Diwali celebrations ignored the Supreme Court's ban on firecrackers. The city, already grappling with persistent pollution, witnessed an alarming spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching a staggering 445 in some areas, well beyond the "severe" category.
Although the Supreme Court allowed "green crackers," visuals from various locations, including Azadpur, Kartavya Path, and Rajghat, displayed extensive defiance of the firecracker ban, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality. Delhi Fire Service Chief Atul Garg reported around 100 fire-related incidents on Diwali evening, emphasising the challenges posed by unauthorised firecracker use.
Delhi's environment minister, Gopal Rai, accused leaders from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "inciting" the public to light firecrackers. However, Virendra Sachdeva, the BJP's Delhi president, blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for lacking a concrete plan to address the issue.
Delhi is the World’s Most Polluted City
Once again, due to firecrackers, Delhi has topped the list of the world's most polluted cities, registering an AQI figure of 400+, labeled "hazardous" by Swiss group IQAir, with levels exceeding 1,000 in some areas shortly after midnight. The hazardous air quality isn't just a seasonal concern; it poses serious health risks, comparable to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day, according to lung specialists.
The alarming rise in pollution levels is not confined to Delhi, as Kolkata and Mumbai also joined the list of top 10 polluted cities globally, according to IQAir. The unchecked burning of firecrackers, compounded by poor enforcement of bans and conflicts over religious practices, has left millions struggling to breathe in northern India during this season.
As Delhi's residents grapple with the consequences of toxic air, concerns are growing over the government's ability to enforce and implement measures to mitigate pollution. Despite the Supreme Court's orders, the annual struggle against hazardous air continues, underscoring the urgent need for more effective policies and their enforcement to address the escalating pollution crisis.
