Delhi Chokes: Diwali Eve Sees Air Quality Plummet to 'Very Poor' Amid GRAP-II Restrictions

As the festive spirit of Diwali descended upon Delhi, a thick, hazardous blanket of smog unfortunately accompanied it. On the eve of the festival of lights, the national capital's air quality plummeted to the 'Very Poor' category, raising serious concerns for public health and environmental well-being.

This alarming deterioration occurred despite the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II restrictions already being actively enforced across the region.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several key monitoring stations recorded severely high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

For instance, Anand Vihar in East Delhi reported a staggering AQI of 322, firmly placing it in the 'Very Poor' zone. Other areas were not far behind, with ITO, Bawana, Mundka, and Wazirpur also registering AQI levels that posed significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The 'Very Poor' classification signifies that prolonged exposure to such air can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health complications, especially for those with pre-existing conditions, children, and the elderly.

While the city braced itself for the traditional bursting of firecrackers on Diwali, experts and authorities expressed grave apprehension that this could push the air quality into the 'Severe' category, which is only one step away from a public health emergency.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had already implemented GRAP Stage-II, which includes measures such as a complete ban on the use of coal and firewood in restaurants, stricter controls on construction and demolition activities, and heightened enforcement against polluting vehicles.

However, the pre-Diwali air quality indicated that these measures, while crucial, were battling against multiple formidable factors.

The cocktail of pollution sources is complex, involving vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and, notably, stubble burning in neighboring states. With the onset of cooler temperatures and reduced wind speeds, pollutants tend to get trapped closer to the ground, exacerbating the problem.

The impending firecracker use during Diwali was anticipated to add a significant burden of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other harmful gases into an already struggling atmosphere.

Environmental activists and health professionals renewed their calls for citizens to minimize firecracker use and for authorities to implement even more stringent, long-term solutions.

The recurring annual crisis around Diwali highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive, year-round strategy to tackle Delhi's pervasive air pollution challenge, ensuring that the celebration of lights does not overshadow the fundamental right to breathe clean air.