Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on the eve of Diwali, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an average Air Quality Index of 369 and authorities warning that pollution could reach the ‘severe’ category on November 8 and 9.
A thick layer of smog covered several parts of the capital through the morning, while low wind speeds reduced the dispersion of pollutants. The report described the pre-Diwali pollution episode as the most polluted in the past 10 years and the second most polluted in 11 years.
Firecracker activity was reported in several areas despite restrictions. Crackers were heard from around 11am in some locations, with the intensity increasing from about 5pm. The report said there was relative quiet during the time window prescribed by the Supreme Court, but fireworks were heard outside the permitted period.
The pollution episode comes as temperatures begin to decline. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, one degree above normal, while the minimum temperature was 16.2 degrees Celsius, 1.9 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature fell by one degree compared with the previous day. Over the next three days, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Under the applicable rules, only green crackers certified by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute are permitted. Each packet must carry a valid QR code containing product and batch information. Firecrackers are allowed on November 8 only from 6am to 7am and from 8pm to 10pm.
The restrictions also prohibit firecracker use within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, old-age homes, educational institutions and notified silent zones. Firecrackers containing barium, uncertified conventional crackers and cracker garlands are banned.
Enforcement agencies can seize prohibited fireworks, while sellers and manufacturers found violating the rules may face prosecution. Authorities may also cancel shop licences, and police can register first information reports against violators.
The report further stated that a complete ban on firecracker use would come into force again from November 9 in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions. The combination of elevated pollution, falling temperatures, weak winds and anticipated firecracker activity has placed enforcement and public-health protection at the centre of Delhi’s Diwali air-quality response.
