New Delhi, October 22 (Udaipur Kiran): A thick layer of smog blanketed the national capital on Wednesday morning as Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply following Diwali celebrations. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 5:30 a.m. stood at 345, falling under the ‘very poor’ category.

Despite the Supreme Court’s restrictions on firecracker usage, widespread violations were reported across several parts of Delhi and the NCR on Diwali night.

On Tuesday, multiple monitoring stations recorded AQI readings crossing the 500-mark, classified as ‘severe’. The 24-hour average AQI for Tuesday was 351, a sharp spike from 345 on Monday, reflecting a worsening trend.

Experts say the pollution surge is an annual post-Diwali phenomenon, aggravated by low wind speeds, stubble burning in neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana, and firecracker emissions. These factors collectively create a toxic haze that engulfs the city during the post-monsoon and winter months.

Authorities Consider Emergency Measures

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has indicated that Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) may soon be enforced. Under GRAP-II, authorities will impose:

• A ban on diesel generators (except for essential services)

• Stricter controls on construction and demolition activities

• Enhanced dust suppression and road-cleaning measures

• Deployment of special task forces in high-pollution zones to manage vehicular emissions and traffic congestion

CPCB data from the past four years shows that Diwali 2025 ranks among the most polluting festivals in recent memory, underscoring the continuing impact of unchecked firecracker use.

Health Concerns Rise

With PM2.5 concentrations averaging 488 µg/m³ — nearly eight times the safe limit — hospitals across the city reported an uptick in respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, sore throats, and joint pain cases.

Health experts have urged residents, especially children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers indoors whenever possible.

As the toxic haze thickens, Delhiites once again find themselves battling a familiar post-Diwali nightmare — a stark reminder of the capital’s deep-rooted air pollution crisis.