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Diwali

Delhi's Air Quality to Remain Toxic Until at Least Friday due to Firecracker Emissions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Delhi's residents can expect to suffer through poor air quality for the better part of the week due to the impact of additional emissions from firecrackers on Diwali, according to weather analysts. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecasts a deterioration of air quality to the higher end of the 'very poor' category by Diwali day and to 'severe' levels by Tuesday. The curbs under stage 1 of Grap imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 14 are unlikely to provide any significant relief in the next few days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The air quality in Delhi is expected to remain toxic until at least Friday due to calm wind conditions, with further deterioration of air quality to the higher end of the 'very poor' category by Diwali day and to 'severe' levels by Tuesday.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed curbs under stage 1 of Grap on October 14, but these measures are unlikely to provide any significant relief in the next few days.
  • Despite stubble burning not playing a key role yet, local emissions are accumulating due to stagnation, with wind speeds not exceeding 5-7 km/hr, preventing pollutants from dispersing.
  • Delhi has had some form of ban on firecrackers since 2017, with restrictions in place during Diwali in 2018 and 2019, but widespread violations were reported, with pollution levels spiking sharply the day after Diwali.
  • CPCB data shows PM 2.5 levels can spike between 20-30 times the permissible hourly limits across the city on Diwali day, with conditions unfavourable, leading to emissions taking multiple days to disperse.

Statistics:

  • 23 Delhi air quality stations were in the 'very poor' range, with highest readings at Anand Vihar (430), Wazirpur (375), Vivek Vihar (355), Dilshad Garden (352), Jahangirpuri (341), Ashok Vihar (330), RK Puram (329), and Dwarka Sector-8 (323) as of Sunday.
  • Delhi's AQI has spiked the day after Diwali in 9 out of the last 10 years.
  • Last year, Delhi's AQI on Diwali day (October 31) was 328 (very poor), but spiked to 339 (very poor) the day after.
  • In 2023, the AQI went from 218 (poor) on Diwali day on November 12 to 358 (very poor) the day after.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS)
  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
  • Skymet Meteorology
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

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