India's capital Delhi woke up to a toxic haze as air quality worsened after the Hindu festival of Diwali, despite a court directive to use less-polluting crackers. People in the city and its suburbs burst crackers late into Monday night, defying the court's order to use only 'green' fireworks for a limited period of time.
Delhi, which has high pollution levels throughout the year due to factors including vehicular emissions and dust, saw its Air Quality Index (AQI) reach 360 on Tuesday. The AQI measures PM 2.5 levels in the air, with numbers higher than 400 considered severe.
The World Health Organization recommends that PM 2.5 exposure should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter, yet parts of Delhi registered levels 24 times higher. Pollution worsens in winter due to stubble burning in neighboring states and low wind speeds, which trap harmful pollutants like those produced by firecrackers.
Although firecrackers had been banned since 2020, many shops continued to sell them, leading to widespread use during the festival. Recently, India's Supreme Court relaxed the blanket ban, allowing 'green crackers' that emit 20-30% fewer pollutants. However, critics argue these still release toxic substances.
In the aftermath of the festival, many residents are grappling with the effects of poor air quality, with reports of smoke and reduced visibility, raising concerns about the impact of fireworks on public health. With Delhi's air quality dipping into the 'very poor' category, officials have imposed restrictions to improve conditions, but the persistent smog continues to loom over the city.
Delhi, which has high pollution levels throughout the year due to factors including vehicular emissions and dust, saw its Air Quality Index (AQI) reach 360 on Tuesday. The AQI measures PM 2.5 levels in the air, with numbers higher than 400 considered severe.
The World Health Organization recommends that PM 2.5 exposure should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter, yet parts of Delhi registered levels 24 times higher. Pollution worsens in winter due to stubble burning in neighboring states and low wind speeds, which trap harmful pollutants like those produced by firecrackers.
Although firecrackers had been banned since 2020, many shops continued to sell them, leading to widespread use during the festival. Recently, India's Supreme Court relaxed the blanket ban, allowing 'green crackers' that emit 20-30% fewer pollutants. However, critics argue these still release toxic substances.
In the aftermath of the festival, many residents are grappling with the effects of poor air quality, with reports of smoke and reduced visibility, raising concerns about the impact of fireworks on public health. With Delhi's air quality dipping into the 'very poor' category, officials have imposed restrictions to improve conditions, but the persistent smog continues to loom over the city.
