After Diwali Festival, New Delhi Faces Worst Air Pollution Crisis Globally
New Delhi, the capital of India, woke up on Wednesday to the world's most polluted air following the Diwali festival of lights, which is traditionally celebrated with extensive firecracker use. The air quality monitoring firm IQAir reported that PM 2.5 levels in New Delhi that day exceeded the World Health Organization's annual guideline by over 40 times, marking an extreme pollution emergency affecting about 20 million residents. This severe air contamination highlights Delhi’s ongoing struggle with pollution, which intensifies during winter partly due to farmers in surrounding areas burning crop residue to prepare for upcoming planting seasons.
Causes of Pollution Post-Diwali
The sharp deterioration in air quality was attributed primarily to the Diwali celebrations, during which fireworks and firecrackers release large amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides along with harmful heavy metals into the atmosphere. Despite a total ban on manufacturing, selling, and using firecrackers imposed by authorities in 2020, enforcement has been weak. This year, the Supreme Court allowed the use of ‘green’ firecrackers, marketed as less harmful, but only during a limited time frame. Many residents continued to use traditional, more polluting firecrackers well beyond the permitted hours, exacerbating the crisis.
Impact on Residents
The aftermath of the festival saw widespread health and environmental repercussions. Residents experienced respiratory discomfort such as scratchy throats and burning eyes. Anushka Singh, a 30-year-old graphic designer, shared her experience of deteriorated air quality after Diwali, emphasizing the need for stricter and better enforced rules. Chandra Tandon, a corner store owner, acknowledged the cultural significance of firecrackers for children’s enjoyment but also recognized the adverse health impact for many who inhale the toxic fumes. Such pollution severely affects vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Past Efforts and Challenges
New Delhi has implemented several measures to combat pollution, including spraying water on roads, vehicle restrictions based on license plate numbers, and building smog towers costing approximately $2.4 million in a bid to purify the air. However, experts note that these interventions have yielded limited results due to poor enforcement and lack of coordinated efforts. With India’s booming population of 1.4 billion and growing energy demands, managing pollution remains a complex and urgent challenge.
Broader Urban Pollution Crisis
Delhi’s predicament reflects wider environmental concerns in Indian metropolitan areas. On this same day, cities including Kolkata and Mumbai were also ranked among the world’s most polluted according to IQAir data, with Kolkata placed fourth and Mumbai tenth globally. These rankings underscore the critical air quality issues faced by some of India's largest urban centers, posing significant public health risks and necessitating more effective policy responses.
This recent pollution crisis following the Diwali festival serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for stronger regulatory enforcement and sustainable urban management strategies in India’s capital and other major cities. The health consequences and environmental damage call for immediate, comprehensive action to protect millions of residents from the ongoing seasonal air pollution hazards.