Air quality in Delhi has sharply declined, falling into the ‘very poor’ category as of Monday, a worrying shift from Sunday’s ‘poor’ levels. This deterioration serves as a stark reminder of the upcoming Diwali festival, which is notorious for firework displays that exacerbate air pollution. According to the Union government’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), unfavorable weather conditions are hindering the dispersion of pollutants.
The situation is expected to worsen due to various emissions, with stubble burning—common in nearby states before winter sowing—remaining a significant contributor. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 310 on Monday, up from 277 the previous day. The AQI scale ranges from good (0-50) to severe (401-500).
Every winter, Delhi faces the challenge of toxic smog, worsened by firecracker use during Diwali. Stubble burning from neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh adds to this issue. The health implications are severe, including increased respiratory illnesses, burning eyes, heart conditions, sore throats, and skin allergies.
While stubble burning incidents have decreased this year, as per satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the practice remains a pressing concern. The Commission for Air Quality Management has dispatched 26 teams to hotspot areas in Punjab and Haryana to work with local authorities on controlling stubble burning.
Ritwik Bahuguna, founder of Roots Foundation, underscores that stubble burning is not merely an agricultural issue but a public health crisis needing immediate intervention. Although it accounts for a small fraction of air pollution, its impact is amplified by meteorological factors, contributing to hazardous winter smog.
Recent data from Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) shows that stubble burning contributed over 1.3% to Delhi’s air pollution on October 19, 2.3% on October 20, and 2.4% on Monday, highlighting its role in deteriorating air quality.
However, stubble burning isn’t the only contributor. Vehicular emissions in Delhi accounted for about 14.2% on October 18, dropping to 11.2% by Saturday, with projections suggesting a further decline to 10.5% in the coming days. Alarmingly, between 32% and 44% of pollution sources remain unidentified, complicating efforts to tackle air quality issues effectively.
The Diwali season significantly impacts air quality as well, with firecrackers releasing harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. In response, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee has banned the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers in the capital until January 1. Similar bans are in place in Punjab, while Gurugram in Haryana permits the use of “green crackers.”
Green crackers, as defined by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, are engineered to produce less ash and dust, minimizing emissions of particulate matter. They are designed without barium compounds, which contribute to air and noise pollution.
To combat air pollution in the National Capital Region, the Commission for Air Quality Management has activated Stage-I of its graded response action plan, focusing on dust control at construction sites, improved road cleaning, proper waste disposal, curbing open burning, banning diesel generators, and stricter monitoring of polluting vehicles. The government is also exploring cloud seeding as an emergency measure to reduce pollution levels.
Delhi’s deteriorating air quality poses a significant public health threat, necessitating urgent and comprehensive solutions. Addressing stubble burning, managing vehicular emissions, identifying unknown pollution sources, and promoting eco-friendly practices are vital steps toward ensuring a healthier environment for the city and its residents.