New Delhi, India’s capital, was engulfed in toxic smog this past Friday as air pollution reached alarming levels following a widespread disregard for a fireworks ban during the Diwali festival.
The city, home to over 30 million residents and frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted urban areas, suffered significantly from the aftereffects of the celebrations, which included the use of firecrackers despite authorities banning their sale and use to curb pollution.
The situation was exacerbated by long-standing issues, such as stubble burning by farmers in surrounding states and emissions from factories and traffic.
Air quality worsened dramatically after Diwali, with levels of PM2.5 pollutants soaring to more than 23 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum.
Supreme Court declares clean air a fundamental right amidst Delhi’s persistent and hazardous pollution.Monitoring firm IQAir recorded pollutant levels exceeding 345 micrograms per cubic meter, categorizing the air quality as “hazardous.”
Despite previous measures to combat pollution—such as restrictions on vehicle traffic and seasonal bans on construction—the response from both local and central authorities has been criticized as inadequate.
India’s Supreme Court recently declared clean air a fundamental human right, urging action from both levels of government.
Editorials highlight a concerning lack of resolve, stating that “incremental changes are insufficient” in the face of such a grave environmental crisis.
The Times of India lamented, “Delhi’s toxic air is killing us softly with its smog,” underscoring the urgency of the situation as winter pollution looms once again.
As New Delhi grapples with its ongoing air quality issues, residents continue to face the health consequences of unchecked pollution amid celebrations that compromise their well-being.