Millions of Indians recently celebrated Diwali, a major Hindu festival, setting a new Guinness World Record by lighting over 2.22 million earthen oil lamps at the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The event was organized with the help of over 24,000 volunteers, mostly college students. This celebration, however, coincided with rising concerns about air pollution in India.
In the aftermath of the Diwali celebrations, the air quality in New Delhi, India's capital, significantly deteriorated. Despite a government campaign and a Supreme Court order against firecrackers, a thick layer of smog engulfed the city. Measurements showed PM 2.5 particle levels exceeding 400 micrograms per cubic meter of air, posing a health risk to residents. This figure is above the limit recommended by the World Health Organization.
The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 286, indicating 'poor' air quality, with some areas like Delhi University, IIT Delhi, and Airport (T3) recording 'very poor' air quality with AQI over 300. The firecracker ban was violated in several areas, exacerbating the air quality issue.
In response to the severe air quality, Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in the city. Authorities halted non-essential construction work and restricted the entry of diesel trucks into the capital. Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged people not to burst firecrackers as it exacerbates the air quality issue.