New Delhi Suffers Hazardous Air Quality Following Diwali Celebrations

Thick smog enveloped New Delhi on November 13, 2023, a day after widespread Diwali celebrations filled the air with smoke from fireworks, pushing pollution levels to hazardous heights. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above 350 in numerous neighborhoods, a level classified as “severe” and deemed dangerous for human health, according to the World Health Organization.

The revelry on the evening of November 12 resulted in heavy smoke and fine particulate matter combining with existing seasonal pollution. By morning, visibility in parts of the city had sharply declined, shrouding streets, high-rise buildings, and historic landmarks in a gray haze. Vedant Pachkande, a tourist from Mumbai, remarked, “I have never seen anything like this before. We can’t see anything here because of pollution.”

Legal Measures and Environmental Impact

In the lead-up to Diwali, India’s Supreme Court had relaxed a ban on firecrackers in New Delhi, permitting the use of “green firecrackers” designed to emit fewer pollutants. These environmentally friendly fireworks, developed by federal research institutes, aim to reduce particulate and gas emissions by approximately 30%. The court allowed their use during designated hours from November 11 to 14, but enforcement proved challenging, with many ignoring the restrictions.

New Delhi and its surrounding metropolitan area, home to over 30 million residents, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities during winter months. This pollution crisis is exacerbated by the combination of festive fireworks, stagnant weather conditions, and smoke from agricultural burning in nearby states.

Authorities have attempted to address the pollution problem by enforcing limits on construction activities and placing restrictions on diesel generators. Nonetheless, environmentalists argue that systemic solutions, such as a transition to cleaner energy sources and more stringent vehicle-emission regulations, are essential for long-term improvement.

Declining Sunshine and Broader Implications

Recent research has highlighted another consequence of rising air pollution: a reduction in sunlight across India. A study published in *Scientific Reports* revealed that the hours of strong sunlight reaching the Earth have diminished due to increasing aerosols—tiny particles from industrial emissions, biomass burning, and vehicle pollution. Manoj K. Srivastava, a scientist at Banaras Hindu University and one of the study’s authors, noted, “We see a greater impact in more polluted regions such as northern India.”

The decline in sunlight not only affects solar power generation but also has implications for agricultural productivity and public health. As air quality continues to deteriorate, the need for comprehensive measures becomes increasingly urgent to protect both the environment and the population’s well-being.

In summary, while Diwali celebrations bring joy to millions, the aftermath underscores the pressing need for effective pollution management strategies in New Delhi, a city grappling with the dual challenges of festive air quality issues and long-term environmental health concerns.