Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets to Hazardous Levels After Diwali
The post-Diwali haze has once again turned Delhi into a gas chamber, with 36 out of 40 air monitoring stations recording ‘severe’ air quality (AQI 401-500). Four stations—Anand Vihar (462), Punjabi Bagh (443), RK Puram (428), and Bawana (419)—crossed the alarming 400-mark, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The toxic smog has triggered health warnings and reignited debates over policy failures.
Why Did Delhi’s Air Turn Toxic After Diwali?
A deadly mix of firecracker emissions, stubble burning, and stagnant weather conditions worsened Delhi’s air quality:
- Firecrackers: Despite bans, widespread bursting added to particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10).
- Stubble Burning: Over 2,500 farm fires in Punjab on Diwali day sent smoke into Delhi via slow-moving winds.
- Weather: Low wind speed and high humidity trapped pollutants near the ground.
Dr. Dipankar Saha, ex-CPCB air lab chief, stated, “This was a perfect pollution storm—local emissions, farm fires, and weather conspired against Delhi.”
Health Emergency Declared: Hospitals Flooded with Respiratory Cases
Hospitals reported a 30% spike in asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation cases. Dr. Arvind Kumar, a pulmonologist, warned, “Breathing Delhi’s air now equals smoking 20-25 cigarettes daily.” The government reimposed GRAP measures:
✔ Ban on construction
✔ Diesel trucks barred
✔ Schools halt outdoor activities
Political Blame Game: Who’s Responsible?
- AAP blames Punjab’s farm fires and the Centre’s inaction.
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann cites lack of farmer subsidies.
- BJP criticizes Delhi’s “failed” odd-even scheme and lax firecracker enforcement.
The Supreme Court’s firecracker ban was openly flouted, with viral videos showing illegal sales.
Long-Term Solutions to Delhi’s Annual Pollution Crisis
- Strict crackdown on firecracker violations with fines.
- Faster adoption of green farming tech (happy seeders, biogas).
- Expand electric vehicles and metro networks to cut vehicular pollution.
- Regional collaboration with Punjab, Haryana, and UP.
For now, Delhiites are left praying for rain—or stronger winds—to clear the air.
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