Delhi wakes up to ‘Very Poor’ air quality ahead of Diwali, firecracker ban falls short

As Diwali approaches, Delhi’s air quality remains a pressing concern. On Monday morning, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 264, which, though an improvement from the previous day, still falls in the “very poor” range—posing serious health risks.

This drop of nearly 90 points from Sunday reflects a temporary reprieve, largely due to a brief spell of favorable winds, yet Delhi’s air remains heavily polluted. In areas like Pitampura, AQI levels showed a slight improvement with a reading of 167, but in more polluted areas like Defence Colony, AQI readings climbed as high as 324, indicating a worsening trend.

Recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that on Sunday, 37 out of 40 monitoring stations in the city reported “very poor” air quality, with three—Bawana, Burari, and Jahangirpuri—crossing into the “severe” category. By 4 p.m., Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI surged to 355, signaling a sharp decline in air quality as calm weather and stagnant winds kept pollutants trapped near ground level. This trend is expected to persist and worsen with Diwali celebrations, traditionally associated with fireworks.

In response, the Delhi government has intensified pollution-control measures. To mitigate the pollution spike, it has encouraged public transport use, enacted dust-control measures, and imposed a comprehensive firecracker ban in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remains in effect at Stage 2, enforcing stricter pollution controls when AQI exceeds 300. Enacted by the Commission for Air Quality and Management (CAQM) on October 21, GRAP mandates actions that include restrictions on vehicle emissions and construction activities.

Since 2020, Delhi has banned conventional firecrackers, allowing only certified green crackers that don’t contain barium salts. However, enforcement remains a challenge.

Cross-border smuggling and online deliveries of illegal firecrackers undermine these efforts, as shown in recent spot checks in nearby Gurugram.

Despite these efforts, Delhi’s residents continue to face serious health risks as Diwali nears. As pollution levels fluctuate, the city braces for potential setbacks in air quality, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and long-term solutions.