Delhi Suffers Smog Spike as Diwali Ban on Firecrackers Ignored
Despite a ban on firecrackers, Delhi witnessed severe pollution and noise as residents celebrated Diwali. The city's Air Quality Index plummeted, caused by illegal firecracker use, unfavorable weather, and stubble burning. Government enforcement saw widespread non-compliance, leading to hazardous air conditions.
- Country:
- India
Delhi's skyline was shrouded in thick smog on Thursday, as widespread defiance of the firecracker ban during Diwali celebrations led to hazardous air quality levels. The city's AQI dropped into the 'very poor' category, with a reading of 330 by 10 PM.
Despite the Delhi government mobilizing 377 enforcement teams, illegal firecracker use persisted, with key areas such as Anand Vihar experiencing 'severe' pollution levels. The city's efforts to curb the practice, in place for five consecutive years, faced challenges from unfavorable meteorological conditions and continued stubble burning.
Officials reported broad-scale violations, especially in east and west Delhi, despite the threat of legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Stubborn vehicular emissions and subsequent pollution spikes remain a pressing issue, with predictions indicating worsening conditions due to rising stubble burning incidents in neighboring states.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Delhi
- Diwali
- firecrackers
- pollution
- smog
- AQI
- PM2.5
- stubble burning
- Gopal Rai
- environment
ALSO READ
Delhi Chokes: Smog Envelops City as Air Quality Plummets
Delhi's Air Crisis: Political Blame Game Intensifies as AQI Plummets
Delhi Smog Crisis: Political Tug-of-War Intensifies
Different local sources of pollution identified at 13 hotspots; 80 anti-smog guns to be deployed to check air dust: Gopal Rai.
Precision Strikes: Iraqi Forces Target ISIS Leaders