Delhi’s Pollution Surges Despite Firecracker Ban

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Delhi’s AQI soared to ‘very poor’ due to Diwali firecrackers.
PM2.5 levels in some areas surpassed 900 micrograms per cubic meter.
Delhi emerged as the world’s most polluted city post-Diwali.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth Despite the ban on firecrackers, Delhi’s air quality took a dramatic turn for the worse during Diwali, positioning the city as the most polluted globally. By 6 am on Friday, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 359, landing in the ‘very poor’ category. Areas such as Burari, Rohini, and RK Puram reported AQI levels exceeding 390, edging close to the ‘severe’ range.

Neighbouring regions like Noida and Ghaziabad also showed alarming pollution levels, classified under ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories. PM2.5 levels in some locations soared beyond 900 micrograms per cubic meter, far above the permissible limit of 60.

The CPCB data indicated a troubling spike, with monitoring stations like Pusa and Wazirpur registering PM2.5 levels over 600 micrograms per cubic meter. The smog blanket, combined with firecrackers, vehicle emissions, and other local pollutants, exacerbated the situation.

The Delhi government had imposed a ban on firecrackers effective until January 2025. However, non-compliance led to a significant spike in pollution. Authorities formed teams and collaborated with local organizations to enforce the ban, warning of legal consequences for violators.