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Delhi Chokes: Post-Diwali Smog Triggers ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality

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Doctor interpreting ECG and echocardiography results as part of core cardiology diagnostics

Delhi’s air quality took a severe hit after Diwali celebrations. It plunged into the “very poor” category by early Tuesday morning. This sharp deterioration in Delhi Air Quality has prompted authorities to reimpose Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). These actions aim to mitigate escalating pollution levels. The city woke up to a thick blanket of smog, leading to significant health concerns for its residents.

Understanding Post-Diwali Air Pollution

Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 346 by 5:30 am on Tuesday, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Many areas consequently entered the ‘red zone’. Fireworks continued well past permitted hours, despite the Supreme Court’s conditional relaxation for ‘green’ firecrackers on Diwali night. By 10 pm Monday, 36 of 38 monitoring stations recorded ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ pollution levels. For instance, Dwarka (417), Ashok Vihar (404), Wazirpur (423), and Anand Vihar (404) all registered ‘severe’ readings. Morning visuals showed prominent landmarks, like Akshardham, partially obscured by thick smog. Furthermore, the city’s 24-hour average AQI on Monday at 4 pm was 345, surpassing Sunday’s 326. This indicates a steady deterioration during the festival. The CPCB classifies an AQI of 301-400 as ‘very poor.’ An AQI of 401-500 signifies ‘severe’ pollution. Transport emissions constituted 15.6 per cent of Delhi’s pollution load on Monday. Industrial and other sources added roughly 23.3 per cent, according to the Decision Support System (DSS).

GRAP-II Measures to Improve Delhi Air Quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) acted swiftly. It reimposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Sunday evening. This decision followed a review by the GRAP sub-committee. Inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) were utilized. Under Stage II restrictions, local authorities must enforce strict dust control at construction sites. They must also regulate waste burning and increase mechanized road sweeping. The CAQM noted Delhi’s AQI rose from 296 at 4 pm to 302 by 7 pm on Sunday. This necessitated immediate intervention. Moreover, GRAP Stage II also includes restrictions on coal and firewood use. Limitations on diesel generator sets are also part of these measures.

Health Risks and Expert Advice Amidst Poor Air Quality

Experts warn that calm weather conditions and stagnant winds could prevent pollutant dispersal. This might push the capital’s air quality further into the ‘severe’ category over the next 48 hours. Breathing polluted air in Delhi is often compared to smoking multiple cigarettes daily. It increases risks of respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, along with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, residents are strongly advised to minimize outdoor activity. This applies especially during morning and evening hours when pollution levels tend to peak. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, facing weakened immunity and exacerbated respiratory problems. Utilizing N95 or double surgical masks outdoors and employing air purifiers indoors can help mitigate exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did Delhi’s air quality worsen after Diwali?

A1: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply after Diwali due to widespread bursting of firecrackers, which continued past the permitted hours, combined with existing factors like transport emissions and unfavorable calm weather conditions preventing pollutant dispersal.

Q2: What measures are being taken to control air pollution in Delhi?

A2: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reimposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II). This includes strict dust control at construction sites, regulation of waste burning, increased mechanized road sweeping, and restrictions on the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generators.

Q3: What are the health advisories for residents during this period of “very poor” air quality?

A3: Residents are advised to minimize outdoor activity, especially during peak pollution hours in the morning and evening. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious. Wearing N95 or double surgical masks outdoors is also recommended.

References

  1. Delhi AQI: City chokes after Diwali as air quality slips to ‘very poor’ category – ETHealthworld
  2. Delhi-NCR’s air quality ‘very poor’ after Diwali fireworks – DD News
  3. Delhi implements GRAP-2 measures as air quality deteriorates ahead of Diwali; what are the restrictions – The Times of India
  4. Diwali fireworks choke Delhi: 36 out of 38 monitoring stations hit ‘red zone’, 4 record ‘severe’ AQI levels above 400 – The Times of India
  5. Day after Diwali, Delhi chokes as AQI shoots up; toxic smog hangs over NCR – Hindustan Times
  6. GRAP-2 restrictions in Delhi-NCR: What does it mean? Dos and don’ts for public to minimise air pollution – Mint
  7. GRAP-2 curbs in Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens before Diwali – India Today
  8. GRAP-2 anti-pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as air quality worsens before Diwali – India Today
  9. Delhi air quality plummets morning after Diwali: These are the 10 most polluted areas in the city – India TV News
  10. Post-Diwali AQI shoots up in four Metro cities, Bengaluru records ‘good’ air quality – The Indian Express
  11. India ups restrictions in capital region over escalated air pollution – Xinhua
  12. Air pollution in Delhi – Wikipedia
  13. Delhi air quality turns ‘very poor’, GRAP Stage 2 curbs enforced: Here’s what it means – ET Online
  14. Delhi air pollution spikes to 100 times WHO health limit – The Guardian
  15. Delhi’s air pollution 15 times WHO limit; parts of city reel under ‘severe’ pollution – The Hindu
  16. Delhi: AQI worsens in several parts of city; expert warns of rising health risks amid pollution surge – The Times of India

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.