Delhi battles pollution each winter as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from farm fires in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, with firecrackers exacerbating the problem after Diwali. Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCC) claimed that the air quality index did not show any significant change this Diwali, even after many flouted pollution norms.
According to a report by the DPCC, the PM2.5 levels decreased by 4 per cent as compared to Diwali last year. While the PM10 levels, consisting of particulate matter that is 10 micrometres or less in diameter, increased by 11 per cent. PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometres and smaller, and are the greatest risk to health. The acceptable annual standard for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms per cubic metre.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai however expressed gratitude to Delhiites for "largely refraining from bursting firecrackers" on Diwali, which helped prevent the city's air quality index (AQI) from slipping into the 'severe' category."Thanks to the responsible actions of many residents who avoided using firecrackers, we managed to avoid a severe AQI reading," Rai said.
Meanwhile a detailed analysis by the monitoring stations reveals that night-time pollution levels on Diwali were alarmingly high, with PM2.5 and PM10 particles soaring up to 30 times the standard limit. The situation worsened dramatically as the evening progressed and firecrackers began to light up the sky. At 8 pm, the PM2.5 levels skyrocketed to 324 micrograms per cubic meter. By 9 pm, a further surge was observed, with levels reaching a hazardous 539 micrograms per cubic meter. The situation spiralled by 10 pm, with PM2.5 concentrations climbing to 898 micrograms per cubic meter and peaking at an alarming 1,527 micrograms per cubic meter by midnight.
In Vivek Vihar, East Delhi, PM 2.5 increased dramatically due to fire crackers. At 8 pm, the PM2.5 concentration in the atmosphere had more than doubled to 222 micrograms per cubic meter, signalling the start of a significant air quality decline. By 9 pm, the readings escalated to 296 micrograms per cubic meter, and an hour later, the concentration surged to an alarming 677 micrograms per cubic meter. The peak was observed at midnight when the readings hit a staggering 1853 micrograms per cubic meter, marking an increase of more than 17 times the level recorded earlier at 5 pm.
Most monitoring stations in Delhi showed similar pollution levels, with 37 out of 39 reporting air quality in the 'very poor' category. However, it avoided a severe spike due to various pollution control efforts implemented across the city, the report said.
A significant reduction in crop residue burning incidents also helped mitigate severe pollution levels. The data revealed a 51 per cent reduction in residue-burning incidents in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh as compared to 2023, contributing to lower overall regional pollution.
The report further underscored the effectiveness of government efforts to combat pollution, stating that a city-wide dust-control campaign was implemented, which included deploying two mobile smog guns in each Assembly constituency.
The Delhi government had enforced a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale and use. They also set up 377 enforcement teams and spread awareness through local associations to ensure compliance with the ban. Police teams were deployed to monitor neighbourhoods, with officials warning that legal action would be taken against violators.
Additionally, the DPCC monitored six major gaseous pollutants ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and benzene, all of which remain within the prescribed National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Additionally, DPCC anticipates that air quality in Delhi will stay in the "very poor" category till November 3.
