Diwali 2024: Fireworks Light Up the Night, Push Air Quality into Hazardous Zone

On the occasion of Diwali, Delhi witnessed an intense display of fireworks on Thursday night, leading to a hazardous spike in air pollution levels across the city. By Friday morning, the air had become toxic, making it difficult for residents to breathe, with many experiencing eye irritation and sore throats. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranged from "very poor" to "severe," with specific areas like Jahangirpuri registering an AQI of 417, Loni at 377, Pooth Khurd at 370, and several others such as Alipur, Dwarka, and Rohini showing readings well above 300, reflecting serious air quality deterioration. This year’s Diwali AQI was one of the worst in the past three years, as residents flouted the firecracker ban and celebrated with extensive fireworks, causing the skies to glow brightly but also filling the air with pollutants. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) hourly reports, Delhi’s AQI was already at 327 by 9 PM on Thursday night. The average AQI on Wednesday was 328, marking the worst air quality recorded during Diwali in the past three years. In comparison, Diwali in 2023 saw a clear sky with sunlight and a moderate AQI of 218, due to factors such as reduced stubble burning incidents, pre-Diwali rains, and favorable weather conditions, which helped Delhi avoid turning into a "gas chamber" that year. Historical data from previous Diwali festivals shows AQI levels of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, and 431 in 2016, indicating the persistent pollution issues during this time of year.