As Diwali festivities approach, air quality in Delhi has declined significantly, casting a shadow over the celebrations with rising pollution levels. On Wednesday morning, eight of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations recorded `very poor` air quality. The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 278 by 9 a.m., an increase from Tuesday’s AQI of 268. Though the reading remains in the `poor` category, this follows a brief improvement earlier in the week due to favorable wind speeds that helped disperse pollutants.

Delhi’s pollution levels have been fluctuating within dangerous ranges throughout the week. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI spiked to 304 on Monday and reached 359 on Sunday, both of which fall into the `very poor` category. The AQI scale, which ranges from `good` (0-50) to `severe` (401-500), labels levels over 300 as potentially harmful to health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Persistent high AQI readings have now prompted health advisories, with officials urging the public to minimize outdoor activities and use masks to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants.

Experts point to a combination of seasonal changes, crop residue burning in nearby states, and pre-Diwali firecrackers as key contributors to the city`s worsening air quality. Delhi’s geography also traps pollutants, making it one of the most susceptible cities to poor air quality during the winter season. The dip in air quality just ahead of Diwali has prompted renewed concerns, with officials and environmental organizations calling for stricter air quality management measures.

In light of these developments, the Delhi government has implemented measures aimed at mitigating the pollution surge. Authorities have urged residents to limit personal fireworks use during Diwali celebrations, given their substantial contribution to air pollution, especially when combined with existing levels from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and regional crop burning. Anti-pollution drives, such as those addressing dust control and promoting the use of public transport, have been ramped up as part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality.

With air pollution levels expected to remain high over the Diwali period, authorities recommend that residents limit time spent outdoors, particularly in the early morning and late evening when pollution tends to be more concentrated. As Delhi awaits clearer skies, attention is focused on the effectiveness of current interventions and on long-term strategies needed to improve air quality sustainably for the future.

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