In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, Delhi, the heart of India, finds itself in the grip of a severe air pollution crisis, securing the unenviable top spot on the world’s most polluted cities list, according to Swiss group IQAir. The iconic Akshardham temple, usually a symbol of tranquility, was shrouded in a thick layer of smog, painting a grim picture of the air quality crisis.
Despite a ban on firecrackers in several areas, the night sky over Delhi was ablaze with unauthorized celebrations, contributing to the deterioration of air quality. As per IQAir, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a staggering 430, marking it as the most polluted city globally. The ban on fireworks, both legally imposed and judicially emphasized, faced widespread violations.
Kolkata and Mumbai, too, found themselves on the unfortunate list, with Kolkata securing the fourth spot globally (AQI 196) and Mumbai at the ninth position (AQI 156). The aftermath of Diwali celebrations exacerbated the already challenging air quality situation, prompting calls for urgent and stringent control measures.
Vivek Chattopadhyaya, Principal Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment, emphasized the immediate need for stringent control measures across the city to combat the rising air pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) levels of 400-500 are particularly hazardous for both healthy individuals and those with existing health conditions.
The impact of the festive celebrations is evident not only in Delhi but also in other cities, underlining the broader challenge of managing air quality in urban areas. As Delhiites grapple with the toxic aftermath of Diwali, urgent and collective efforts are imperative to address the root causes of air pollution and safeguard public health.
The global list of the most polluted cities serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to tackle air pollution, safeguarding not just the environment but also the health and well-being of the communities it affects. The smog-laden scenes around Akshardham temple stand as a visual testament to the pressing need for comprehensive measures to combat air pollution in India’s bustling cities.
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