Delhi’s air quality plummeted to its lowest level in ten years on the eve of Diwali, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 369 on Saturday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, this reading falls into the "very poor" category and represents the most severe pollution levels recorded on the day before the festival since 2016. By Saturday morning, PM2.5 concentrations had surged, averaging 295 micrograms per cubic metre across city monitoring stations.
Environmental experts and officials point to a convergence of adverse conditions, specifically the prevalence of calm winds and a sharp increase in agricultural stubble burning across Punjab and Haryana. These factors have trapped pollutants over the capital, exacerbating the already hazardous conditions.
Despite clear directives from the Supreme Court limiting the use of firecrackers to "green" varieties and restricting their use to two specific windows—6am to 7am and 8pm to 10pm—local reports suggest widespread non-compliance. Atul Goyal, who leads the Urja collective representing more than 2,500 resident welfare associations, noted that the use of firecrackers began well before the festival date, highlighting a significant lack of enforcement.
In response to the ongoing crisis, authorities have implemented strict prohibitions on firecracker use near sensitive zones, including hospitals and schools. Additionally, a dedicated helpline has been established to allow residents to report violations of the court-mandated restrictions.
