New Delhi: On Diwali night, the national capital Delhi came under the grip of firecracker smoke and toxic air. Due to fireworks, air quality deteriorated rapidly in several areas and pollution reached the severe category. A thick layer of smoke covered the sky at night, affecting visibility at many places. Amid complaints of breathing difficulty and eye irritation, people were advised to protect themselves from pollution.
According to monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollution levels in several areas on Diwali night were recorded many times higher than normal. At some monitoring stations, PM2.5 levels also remained extremely high. Apart from fine particles released by firecrackers, vehicular emissions, dust from construction activities and industrial emissions were already affecting Delhi’s air.
According to experts, fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 released by fireworks can reach the lungs through breathing. This can cause greater discomfort to people suffering from asthma, allergies and heart-related diseases. Children, the elderly and pregnant women need to take special precautions.
In view of the pollution situation, the administration is monitoring restrictions under the already implemented Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Measures are being taken to control construction activities, dust and emissions from vehicles.
The impact of pollution remains in the capital even after Diwali. Experts say wind speed, temperature and weather conditions will influence the dispersal of pollutants. In such a situation, it will be necessary to monitor air quality over the next few days.
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