Following Diwali celebrations, Delhi woke up to thick smog on Friday, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘very poor’ category, with readings exceeding 350 in multiple areas. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Jahangirpuri 390, Dwarka 376, and Aya Nagar 352, all levels posing significant health risks.
Cyclists at India Gate, where the AQI was around 317, shared firsthand the toll pollution is taking. One cyclist, Stephen, described the sudden onset of pollution: “A few days ago, there was nothing, but now my brother has fallen sick. It’s taking a toll on his body—throat pain, breathing issues, irritated eyes.”
Delhi’s environmental minister, Gopal Rai, made an appeal before Diwali for residents to avoid crackers, stressing the adverse health impacts on vulnerable populations. Rai pointed out the dangers fireworks pose and advocated celebrating with diyas instead to reduce pollution. “If people avoid crackers, Delhi can escape the usual post-Diwali smog,” he stated.
Delhi Police intensified patrolling to curb the sale and use of fireworks, aiming to enforce safety protocols and control pollution levels. Rai emphasized that while enforcement is essential, personal responsibility and collective effort are key to protecting the environment.
Poor air quality wasn’t confined to Delhi; cities like Mumbai and Chennai also reported deteriorated conditions. The CPCB data indicates a post-Diwali spike in pollution, highlighting the urgent need for widespread environmental responsibility to mitigate long-term health impacts.
