Delhi Chokes: Post-Diwali Air Turns Toxic, AQI Plummets to Severe Category

The national capital, Delhi, found itself in a severe air quality crisis post-Diwali, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted into the 'severe' category. This alarming deterioration has blanketed the city in a thick layer of toxic smog, prompting authorities to impose stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II, with the looming threat of further restrictions.

As the festive glow of Diwali faded, it left behind a grim reality: an atmosphere laden with pollutants.

The AQI readings across various monitoring stations soared well above the 400-mark, a level deemed 'severe' and posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. Areas like RK Puram, Anand Vihar, and Punjabi Bagh registered particularly high numbers, painting a concerning picture of the air residents were forced to breathe.

The primary culprits behind this annual post-Diwali respiratory emergency are a confluence of factors.

While the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali night undeniably contributed significantly to the sudden spike in particulate matter, the situation was exacerbated by unfavorable meteorological conditions. Low wind speeds and high humidity trapped pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion.

Additionally, stubble burning in neighboring states continues to add to the toxic mix, alongside perennial sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and construction dust.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

This mandates a series of actions aimed at curbing pollution sources. These include a ban on the use of diesel generator sets, except for essential services, increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle use, and stricter enforcement against open burning of waste and industrial emissions. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to manage traffic congestion and promote public transport.

The persistent battle against air pollution in Delhi highlights the urgent need for a multi-pronged, long-term approach.

Beyond immediate emergency measures, there's a critical demand for sustained efforts in transitioning to cleaner fuels, enhancing public transportation infrastructure, promoting green spaces, and implementing effective agricultural waste management solutions to ensure that the air Delhiites breathe is not a yearly health hazard.

Citizens are advised to take precautions, minimize outdoor exposure, and use air purifiers if possible, as the city grapples with this severe environmental challenge.