Delhi Air Quality Worsens During Diwali 2024

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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Delhi Chokes Under a Smog Blanket: Diwali 2024 Brings Worsening Air Quality

Diwali 2024, the festival of lights, has once again cast a shadow of gloom over Delhi, as the city grapples with a severe spike in air pollution. The festive celebrations, characterized by bursting firecrackers and increased vehicular traffic, have led to a dramatic deterioration in air quality, pushing the capital into a hazardous health crisis.

A Familiar Story of Smog and Health Concerns

This year, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reached alarming levels, crossing the "severe" category and even touching the "very severe" mark in several areas. The culprit? A cocktail of factors including:

• Firecracker Emissions: The traditional practice of bursting firecrackers during Diwali is a major contributor to air pollution. These fireworks release harmful pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, directly impacting respiratory health.
• Agricultural Fires: The burning of crop residue in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana adds to the pollution woes, further exacerbating the situation in Delhi.
• Vehicular Traffic: Increased traffic during the festive season also plays a role in elevating pollution levels, especially in densely populated areas.
• Industrial Emissions: Industrial activities in and around Delhi contribute a significant share of pollutants, particularly during Diwali when factories often ramp up production.

Health Risks and Government Measures

The worsening air quality has triggered a public health emergency, with hospitals reporting an influx of patients suffering from respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health complications. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can lead to long-term health problems like:

• Asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung cancer
• Premature death

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has implemented several measures, including:

• Ban on firecrackers: Although the ban on firecrackers has been in place for several years, enforcement remains a challenge.
• Odd-even car rationing: Implementing this scheme during Diwali has helped to restrict vehicular traffic.
• Increased public transport availability: To encourage people to opt for public transport, the government has enhanced bus and metro services.
• Anti-smog gun deployment: These guns spray a mist of water droplets, aiming to capture and neutralize pollutants.

The Urgent Need for Sustainable Solutions

While these measures are crucial, they are merely temporary solutions. The fight against air pollution requires a multi-pronged approach, encompassing long-term strategies like:

• Transition to cleaner fuels: Promoting the use of electric vehicles and cleaner fuels like CNG can significantly reduce vehicular emissions.
• Stricter industrial regulations: Implementing stricter emission standards and enforcement for industries is essential.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture: Encouraging farmers to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management, such as composting or using it as biofuel, can curb agricultural fires.
• Green cover and urban forestry: Increasing the city's green cover by planting trees and fostering urban forestry can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

Ultimately, combating the Delhi air pollution crisis requires a collaborative effort, with active participation from individuals, government agencies, industries, and neighboring states. Only then can we hope to break free from the cycle of smog and ensure a healthier future for the residents of Delhi.