**
Delhi’s Diwali Air Crisis: Worst in 4 Years
Delhi’s air quality plunged to its most toxic levels in four years this Diwali, as firecracker emissions and stagnant weather left the capital gasping for breath. Despite Tuesday’s winds preventing an AQI collapse into the ‘severe’ zone (500+), pollution remains dangerously high, with experts warning of looming health risks.
Diwali Pollution: AQI Crosses 500 in Hotspots
Despite firecracker bans and appeals for a “green Diwali,” Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged past 500 in multiple areas—the worst post-festival spike since 2019. Key findings:
– SAFAR’s data: Average AQI jumped from 358 (Diwali day) to 462 (Tuesday).
– Worst-hit areas: Anand Vihar (AQI 499), RK Puram (AQI 486), Punjabi Bagh (AQI 491).
– PM2.5 levels: Exceeded WHO safety limits by 30-40x, triggering a surge in asthma and bronchitis cases.
Tuesday’s Winds Offer Temporary Relief
Stronger-than-forecast winds on Tuesday dispersed pollutants, pulling Delhi’s average AQI into the ‘very poor’ range (301–400). However, the respite may be short-lived:
– Expert warning: “Winds will slow by Thursday, risking another spike,” said SAFAR’s Dr. Gufran Beig.
– Winter threat: Falling temperatures and calm winds could trap pollutants longer.
Double Whammy: Firecrackers + Farm Fires
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana compounded Delhi’s crisis:
– IARI data: 3,000+ farm fires in Punjab last week contributed 25% of Delhi’s PM2.5.
– Policy gaps: Odd-even schemes and construction bans had minimal impact. Environmentalists demand long-term solutions like crop diversification and industrial emission cuts.
Health Emergency: Schools, Hospitals on Alert
- Government actions: Outdoor school activities suspended; hospitals ordered to stockpile respiratory medicines.
- Doctor’s alert: “Breathing Delhi’s air = smoking multiple cigarettes daily,” warned pulmonologist Dr. Arvind Kumar.
What’s Next for Delhi’s Air?
- Immediate steps: CAQM pushed for stricter farm-fire penalties; Supreme Court reiterated firecracker bans.
- Public angst: “We’re tired of yearly promises,” said Lajpat Nagar resident Priya Sharma.
With winter ahead, Delhi’s pollution battle hinges on policy urgency—or the mercy of the winds.
Follow [Your News Outlet] for live AQI updates and policy developments.
**
