Delhi's Diwali Celebrations Ignite 'Red Zone' Air Quality Concerns

Despite Supreme Court guidelines restricting green firecracker usage, extensive Diwali celebrations in Delhi led to a significant decline in air quality. Most monitoring stations reported 'very poor' to 'severe' air, with the city's AQI hitting 344. Various factors, including transport emissions, contributed to this environmental challenge.

The festive spirit of Diwali brought a grim reality to Delhi as excessive fireworks led to a marked deterioration in air quality. Monitoring stations predominantly registered 'red zone' statuses, indicating a severe environmental concern across the national capital.

The Supreme Court had stipulated the use of green fireworks between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali, yet the celebrations extended well past these limits. Thirty-six out of 38 stations recorded alarming pollution levels, with an air quality index peaking at 'very poor' levels, surpassing 400 at some locations.

According to CPCB data, transport emissions accounted for 15.6% of pollution, while industries and other sources made up 23.3%. Authorities anticipate further deterioration, pushing the state towards implementing stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan.