The festive glow of Diwali has faded, leaving behind a thick blanket of smog across India. While Delhi, the country’s capital, is often synonymous with air pollution, this year, it has been dethroned from the top spot. Karnala in Haryana, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 471, currently holds the unfortunate title of the most polluted city in India, firmly placed in the ‘hazardous’ category.
The air quality in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, is not far behind, with an AQI of 421, also categorized as ‘hazardous.’ Several other cities in the state, including Rampur, Sambhal, Pilibhit, Budaun, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur, are also reporting hazardous AQI levels.
Despite a ban on firecrackers in the national capital, Delhi skies were lit up on Diwali night, with neighborhoods like Lajpat Nagar, Kalkaji, Chhatarpur, and Rohini witnessing celebrations with firecrackers. As a result, Delhi currently ranks 10th on the list of polluted cities, with an AQI of 396, while Ambala in Haryana occupies the 9th position with an AQI of 405.
This alarming situation is not limited to Delhi and its surrounding areas. Metropolises like Chennai and Mumbai are also grappling with smog and poor air quality, highlighting the widespread nature of the pollution issue across India. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals significant pollution levels, particularly after Diwali celebrations, raising serious concerns about the health impacts on the entire nation.
In Uttarakhand’s Haridwar, the aftermath of Diwali celebrations was evident in the form of a smoky haze that engulfed the city on Friday morning. The thick layer of smoke, a direct consequence of the firecracker bursts, severely reduced air visibility and prompted complaints of respiratory problems among residents. The situation became so bad that residents found it difficult to even go for their morning walks.
Harendra Singh, a resident of Haridwar, voiced his frustration, stating, “Firecrackers should be banned in the entire country. The damage they inflict on our bodies is immense, affecting even those who set them off. The air pollution is extremely harmful, and the noise from these crackers is distressing for the sick and the elderly. People need to be educated about the harmful effects of firecrackers and encouraged to refrain from using them. They are a waste of money and cause irreparable damage to the environment.”
With the festival of lights fading into memory, the focus now shifts towards addressing the alarming air pollution levels plaguing India. The urgent need for stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, and sustainable alternatives to firecrackers is paramount to protect public health and safeguard the environment for future generations.
