Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Firecrackers, Politics, and Pollution

Delhi's air quality deteriorated drastically post-Diwali due to firecracker emissions, coupled with stagnant winds and temperature inversion. While local government points to stubble burning in Punjab as a cause, experts highlight enforcement gaps and public non-compliance with health advisories. The issue remains a challenge despite regulations.

In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, Delhi's air quality plummeted to alarming levels as residents defied Supreme Court-mandated times for bursting firecrackers, leading to record pollution levels not seen since 2021. The city's PM2.5 levels soared to 488 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly surpassing the pre-Diwali levels of 156.6.

The worsening air quality sparked political friction with the city government accusing Punjab's AAP dispensation of mass stubble burning, exacerbating the toxic haze. Meanwhile, experts attribute the spike in pollution to local firecracker emissions compounded by unfavorable meteorological conditions like stagnant winds and temperature inversions.

S K Dhaka of the University of Delhi emphasized that even the so-called 'green' firecrackers contributed heavily to particulate matter buildup. The rising pollution levels highlight enforcement weaknesses and a widespread public disregard for health advisories.

(With inputs from agencies.)