Delhi’s air quality drops severely to ‘very poor.’
The air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) remains a concern, continuing in the ‘very poor’ category even a day after the festive celebrations. The drop in air quality is largely attributed to the heavy use of fireworks, which released an array of pollutants into the atmosphere, exacerbating existing pollution levels. Compounding the issue are the usual sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal weather patterns that trap pollutants closer to the ground. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory conditions, as exposure to high pollution levels can lead to health complications.
The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached alarming levels, classified as ‘very poor’ a day after Diwali. The heavy use of firecrackers, despite a government ban, resulted in a blanket of toxic smoke over the entire region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained at 361 as of 7:30 a.m., with individual areas showing dangerously high levels. Throughout Delhi, AQI levels ranged between 300 and over 400, putting public health at serious risk.
Key areas in Delhi reported critical AQI numbers, reflecting the spread of pollutants across the city. Karni Singh Shooting Range 372, IGI Airport 375, ITO 334, Jahangirpuri 390, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 343, Lodhi Road 314, Mundka 374, Najafgarh 329, Nehru Nagar 385, North Campus 390, These levels are well within the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories, posing severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
Surrounding cities in the NCR also saw elevated AQI levels. In Faridabad, the AQI stood at 244, in Gurugram 348, in Ghaziabad 381, in Greater Noida 370, and in Noida 295. These figures underscore that air pollution is not limited to Delhi alone but has affected the entire NCR, with numerous areas reporting air quality that is hazardous to health.
The Air Quality Index categorizes readings from 0 to 50 as ‘good,’ 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101 to 200 as ‘moderate,’ 201 to 300 as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 500 as ‘severe.’ With a majority of Delhi-NCR now in the ‘very poor’ category, and certain areas nearing ‘severe,’ the region faces an air pollution crisis that demands immediate attention.
Over the past weeks, Delhi has already been struggling with deteriorating air quality due to several contributing factors. Chief among these is stubble burning in neighboring states, a seasonal practice that has continued despite regulations. When combined with adverse weather patterns, such as low wind speeds, pollutants from stubble burning remain trapped in the atmosphere. Poor wind circulation prevents these pollutants from dispersing, leading to an accumulation of toxic particles in the air over Delhi-NCR. These conditions set the stage for already high pollution levels, which were then exacerbated by the Diwali firecracker celebrations.
To curb the anticipated spike in pollution due to Diwali, the Delhi government had imposed a comprehensive ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers within the city, effective from October 14, 2023, until January 1, 2025. This proactive measure was supported by the deployment of 377 enforcement teams dedicated to monitoring and penalizing violations. However, despite these efforts, many residents defied the ban and continued to burst firecrackers, contributing to a rapid increase in pollution levels that saw AQI measurements at various monitoring stations peak around midnight.
The harmful effects of such air pollution are immediate and long-lasting, with impacts extending beyond just environmental concerns to direct consequences on public health. Particulate matter, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, is a key pollutant of concern. PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, can penetrate deeply into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications. For those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or heart disease, exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 is particularly dangerous. Other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), also contribute to respiratory issues and can aggravate chronic diseases.
Given the health risks associated with this ‘very poor’ air quality, residents have been advised to take precautions, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Health authorities recommend limiting outdoor activities, using masks with N95 or higher ratings when outside, and ensuring proper air circulation indoors to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants. The installation of air purifiers in homes and workplaces is also recommended to help mitigate the effects of ambient pollution levels.
The challenges of managing Delhi’s air quality highlight the need for both immediate and long-term solutions. On an immediate level, enforcing bans on activities that significantly contribute to air pollution, such as firecracker use, is crucial. However, enforcement alone is not enough; public awareness campaigns emphasizing the health risks associated with air pollution and encouraging people to adopt environmentally-friendly practices are also essential. Additionally, the implementation of technology-based solutions, such as air purifiers in high-traffic zones and green infrastructure, can help improve urban air quality.
Looking forward, reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR will require a coordinated effort between governments at the local, state, and national levels. Stricter regulations on vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning practices are needed, as well as policies that promote sustainable urban planning and green spaces. Adopting alternative, cleaner technologies and fostering public awareness around sustainable practices are key to reducing pollution in the long term.
In the days following Diwali, air pollution in Delhi-NCR is likely to remain a pressing issue, particularly as meteorological conditions continue to limit the dispersion of pollutants. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, follow health guidelines, and support measures aimed at reducing pollution sources. The situation in Delhi-NCR serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices and community-wide efforts to address air quality, as the region works towards a cleaner, healthier environment for its residents.