An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights a significant spike in pollution in New Delhi this Diwali, which saw the season’s first severe smog. The PM2.5 levels surged 34% higher than Diwali in 2022, reaching a peak of 603 µg/m³ on October 31. This marked a 46% increase from October 28 to October 31. The analysis also noted elevated nitrogen oxide (NO2) levels on Diwali night, with the ITO area recording the highest night-time NO2 concentration at 182 µg/m³.
The CSE report attributes the pollution spike to both local sources, such as cracker burning, and regional sources, especially stubble burning from neighboring states, which contributed 27% to Delhi’s pollution. The stubble fires escalated sharply from 60 to 605 fires from October 30 to October 31, with Punjab accounting for 80% of the fires, followed by Uttar Pradesh (13%) and Haryana (7%).
The pollution rose quickly but also dissipated faster than previous years, aided by warmer conditions and strong winds. However, nine air quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded PM2.5 levels exceeding 900 µg/m³, with Nehru Nagar topping the list at 994 µg/m³. The analysis cautions that the upcoming cold season may exacerbate pollution levels, as colder and calmer weather typically hinders the dispersal of pollutants.
