In a striking display of defiance against environmental regulations, residents of New Delhi set off firecrackers during Diwali, aggravating the city's already severe air pollution crisis. Despite repeated bans by government authorities and India's Supreme Court, the tradition of bursting firecrackers during the Hindu festival of lights continues unabated in the capital city of 20 million people.
Visible smoke plumes adorned the city's skyline on the festive night, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to alarming levels. According to the federal pollution control board, the AQI across New Delhi's 40 monitoring stations averaged at 219 on a scale of 500, marking a 'poor' air quality that poses health risks on prolonged exposure.
More concerning is the concentration of PM2.5, the microscopic particulate matter that poses significant health risks. The data revealed PM2.5 levels around 100 micrograms per cubic meter, a staggering 20 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended maximum. This hazardous air quality places Delhi as the fifth-most polluted city globally, with Kolkata leading the list, as reported by the Swiss group IQAir.
A brief spell of rain before the weekend had temporarily improved the AQI, but the winter months typically witness a spike in air pollution in Delhi. The cold air traps particulate matter close to the ground, leading to an increase in respiratory distress cases. As the city grapples with this annual environmental crisis, the balance between tradition and public health remains a contentious issue.
The conflict between religious practices and environmental health is at the core of this issue. Some Hindus view the Diwali firecracker bans as an infringement on their religious observances. Earlier, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai had appealed to citizens to avoid firecrackers, highlighting the health implications, especially respiratory problems.