Post-Diwali smog pushes Delhi’s air quality to ‘very poor’; and other affected cities
A thick layer of smog enveloped parts of Delhi on Friday, the day after Diwali, pushing the city’s air quality to the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Many areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of more than 350, raising health concerns for residents.
At around 7:00 am, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 395, Aya Nagar stood at 352, Jahangirpuri at 390, and Dwarka at 376. All these areas reported ‘very poor’ air quality levels, posing a serious health risk.
Cyclist Stephen, passing through India Gate where AQI was stationed around 317 after Diwali, said, “Because of pollution, bad things happen. Pollution happened suddenly at this time. A few days ago, there was nothing, and now my brother is sick I used to come here I’m going to go cycling with my brother, but he’s been very distracted by the dirt lately.
He continued, “There were so many fireworks and other things yesterday I couldn’t even sleep. We were really traumatized, my brother is in a bad condition. What else can we do? It’s hurting his body– his throat hurts, it’s hard to breathe, he has a fever, and his eyes are irritated.
“I came here to ride a bike, but now it’s a big problem. I’m coughing a lot, and I have trouble riding a bike. This pollution is very bad, especially because of fireworks, bombs, and children playing with fireworks. It even affects cars, and it’s really bad it can lead to cancer or other serious diseases,” one a cyclist, John, told ANI.
The issue of pollution was not limited to Delhi; several other cities across India, including major cities like Chennai and Mumbai, reported similar conditions, with smog and poor air quality affecting large areas.
CPCB data shows significant levels of pollution, especially after Diwali celebrations, raising concerns about air quality and potential health impacts across the country.
Earlier on Thursday, the Environment Minister of Delhi, Gopal Rai, spoke about the preparations that the Delhi government is making after Diwali. Speaking to ANI, he said, “The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remains in the ‘very poor’ category, while other areas are showing very high levels. On Diwali tonight, it is an important night for Delhi and its people. I request everyone to refrain from burning crackers to help control pollution across the country Delhi’s air quality remains ‘very poor.’ Today as Diwali, the evening is important for us to celebrate by lighting diyas and sharing sweets, but we should avoid crackers to protect the children and the elderly at home.
Gopal Rai continued, “I believe that if the people of Delhi avoid burning crackers, the city will not see the usual post-Diwali smog. I request everyone to avoid crackers and the pollution they cause, to ensure that everyone at home remains safe.”
When asked about the sale of crackers in the city, the Delhi Environment Minister said that the Delhi Police will increase patrolling at night to monitor the situation. “The police are working hard to control the sale of crackers. Surveillance will be increased at night for safety. But I still ask why crackers should be burned? As people, it is our duty not to pollute the city,” it was underlined.
Gopal Rai also shared that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation. “We are talking about incidents of the use of fire, and the police are working on this on the ground. Such activities at night will also be monitored. But more than enforcement, it is our duty to protect our area. We are monitoring everything, and Delhi. The government will take appropriate measures as the situation requires,” he added.