Post-Diwali Air Quality Crisis Grips Major Metros
The aftermath of Diwali celebrations has left Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai gasping for breath as air quality levels plunged to hazardous levels. However, Bengaluru stood out with surprisingly ‘good’ air quality, defying the nationwide pollution spike.
AQI in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai Reaches Dangerous Levels
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), key metro cities witnessed alarming post-Diwali air pollution:
– Delhi: AQI soared to ‘severe’ (450+), driven by firecrackers, stubble burning, and stagnant winds. PM2.5 levels exceeded safe limits by 10x.
– Mumbai: AQI breached ‘very poor’ (301-400) due to fireworks and vehicular emissions, despite partial relief from coastal winds.
– Kolkata: Recorded ‘poor’ (201-300) AQI despite firecracker restrictions, as illegal bursting worsened air quality.
– Chennai: Saw a spike to ‘moderate’ (101-200), unusual for the city, attributed to increased firework activity.
Why Did Bengaluru Escape the Pollution Crisis?
Bengaluru maintained ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘satisfactory’ (51-100) AQI, thanks to:
✅ Strict cracker bans – Karnataka enforced restrictions on high-pollution fireworks.
✅ Favorable weather – Strong winds and light rains dispersed pollutants quickly.
✅ Eco-conscious public – Residents opted for green Diwali celebrations.
✅ Urban greenery – Higher tree cover helped absorb particulate matter.
Health Risks and Government Actions
Hospitals reported a 20-30% rise in asthma and bronchitis cases, prompting advisories for vulnerable groups. Measures taken:
– Delhi: Reintroduced odd-even scheme and halted construction.
– Mumbai: Issued mask mandates in high-pollution zones.
– Experts demand long-term solutions like cleaner fuels and EV incentives.
The Way Forward: Can India Fix Its Annual Pollution Crisis?
While emergency measures like GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) help temporarily, lasting change requires:
🌱 Stricter industrial emission controls
🚆 Expanded public transport
♻️ Waste management reforms
Bengaluru’s success shows that policy enforcement + public cooperation can curb pollution.
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