As Delhi prepares for the Diwali festivities, the capital faces an increasingly bleak environmental situation. A thick layer of toxic foam, formed from a mix of industrial waste and sewage, was seen covering the Yamuna River on Friday. Adding to the city’s woes, a dense smog layer also engulfed the skyline, pushing air pollution levels to new heights. On that day, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 293, falling into the ‘poor’ category, with certain localities facing even worse conditions.
Anand Vihar, notorious for its high pollution levels, saw the AQI soar to 339, categorised as ‘very poor’. Meanwhile, at India Gate, a tourist hub, the AQI was slightly better at 270 but still in the ‘poor’ range. Dwarka’s Sector-8 recorded an AQI of 325, and Vivek Vihar’s reading was 324—both firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, sparking serious health concerns. Prolonged exposure to these levels of pollution can lead to severe respiratory problems, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The health risks increase dramatically in areas with AQI ratings of over 300, where prolonged exposure can result in long-term respiratory illnesses.
The data underlines the growing civic crisis in Delhi, which sees annual spikes in pollution around Diwali. Comparatively, air quality this year has shown minimal improvement, despite multiple awareness campaigns and government initiatives. This brings attention to the persistent issue of industrial pollution, construction dust, and vehicular emissions, all of which combine to create this dangerous atmosphere. While authorities have aimed at curbing pollution levels through bans on certain types of firecrackers and promoting eco-friendly alternatives, these efforts have yet to bear significant results.
From a sustainability perspective, the current pollution levels highlight the urgent need for stronger environmental governance. The unchecked dumping of industrial waste into the Yamuna not only pollutes the water but also contributes to long-term damage to Delhi’s already fragile ecosystem. Meanwhile, the smog further adds to the city’s deteriorating air quality, leading to a vicious cycle of environmental degradation. A focus on sustainable urban policies, stricter industrial regulations, and promoting public transport could provide long-term relief and help create a cleaner, more liveable city for future generations.
