Indian capital Delhi’s air quality nosedives post Diwali celebrations

 ISLAMABAD: The air quality of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, Delhi, plummeted on the occasion of Diwali on Tuesday.

The use of firecrackers with little check usually results in a spike in air pollution every year during Diwali celebrations. This year has been no different.

According to the Swiss global air quality monitoring company, IQAir, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) touched 772 after the Diwali celebrations, the highest of any city in the world. 

AQI values above 300 are considered a public health emergency, when everyone is at risk of experiencing serious health effects, and should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

The spike in air pollution also has an impact on other cities in the region, including Lahore in Pakistan, which IQAir listed as the world's second most polluted city. 

Sajid Bashir, spokesperson for the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in Pakistan, while speaking to Pakistan TV Digital on Tuesday, said, “Winds blowing from New Delhi and other parts of India at a speed of up to 7 kilometers per hour are moving toward Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan."

"Similarly, the southern districts of Multan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar will also be affected due to pollutants crossing the border in the wake of Diwali festivities that feature fireworks,” he added.

Diwali, which literally means “row of lights,” is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of light over darkness. 

Traditionally, it has been marked by the lighting of earthen lamps and candles. 

The use of firecrackers has, over the years, become a predominant part of celebrations, raising concerns about contributing to pollution and worsening air quality, according to an Indian media report.

The territory that covers the Indian capital, New Delhi, consistently remains among the most polluted cities in the world, especially during the winter season. The smog and air pollution also usually have an impact on cities and towns in neighboring Pakistan.  

‘Very poor’ air quality

The Diwali celebrations have apparently adversely impacted the air quality in multiple cities, among other likely factors. 

According to the Indian Central Pollution Control Board’s post shared on the social media platform X on Monday, at least 36 cities of India were categorized under “poor” to “very poor” air quality.  

Noise and air pollution 

Another recent Indian media report highlighted the toll it takes on pets and the trauma they face because of the constant loud noise of the crackers.

The use of firecrackers, which are a cause of noise and air pollution, became part of urban celebrations only after the independence of India and became an integral part of Diwali by the 1980s, according to Indian media.

A ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR area was first imposed in 2014-15 by the Indian Supreme Court. However, “enforcement challenges and lack of public compliance have always prevailed,” the Indian media admits.

-- With additional input from our correspondent in Lahore.