Delhi Chokes: Diwali Eve Plunges Capital into 'Severe' Air Crisis

As the much-anticipated festival of lights, Diwali, drew near, a dark, suffocating reality enveloped India’s capital, Delhi. On Diwali eve, the city’s air quality took a dramatic and alarming turn for the worse, plunging into the 'severe' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the dangerous 400-mark in numerous areas across the National Capital Region (NCR).

This critical deterioration sent immediate alarm bells ringing among environmental experts and public health officials, who issued stern warnings about the profound health risks posed by this toxic cocktail of pollutants.

The festive excitement was overshadowed by a palpable sense of dread as residents braced themselves for yet another period of hazardous air.

The primary culprits behind this sudden and drastic drop in air quality are multifaceted. The pervasive use of firecrackers, despite bans and advisories, unleashed a thick blanket of smoke that hung heavy in the atmosphere.

This was exacerbated by the persistent issue of stubble burning in neighboring agricultural states, sending plumes of smoke drifting into Delhi’s air shed. Adding to this potent mix were unfavorable meteorological conditions—low wind speeds and a drop in temperature—which effectively trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion.

Data from various monitoring stations painted a grim picture: areas like Anand Vihar, Wazirpur, and Ashok Vihar consistently reported AQI levels well above 400, often touching or even exceeding 450, signifying 'severe' to 'severe plus' conditions.

Such levels are not merely uncomfortable; they are a grave public health emergency, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Health experts were quick to underscore the serious implications. Dr. Arvind Kumar, a leading pulmonologist, warned that prolonged exposure to such high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) could lead to a sharp increase in respiratory ailments, including asthma attacks, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are at an exceptionally high risk of experiencing severe health complications.

The call to action was clear: residents were advised to stay indoors as much as possible, wear N95 masks when venturing outside, and avoid strenuous physical activity.

Air purifiers became a necessity in many households, and hospitals reported a surge in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, itchy eyes, and sore throats. This Diwali eve served as a stark, choking reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained measures to combat Delhi's perennial air pollution crisis, emphasizing that festive celebrations should not come at the cost of public health and well-being.