Fri Nov 01 01:31:56 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Smog Despite Firecracker Ban as Diwali Celebrations Defy Restrictions

**New Delhi:** Despite a strict ban on firecrackers, Delhiites celebrated Diwali with a cacophony of explosions, leading to a significant surge in air pollution levels. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital reached the “very poor” category on Friday morning, with some areas nearing “severe” levels.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 359 at 6 am, with several areas in east and west Delhi witnessing widespread firecracker use. Areas like Burari Crossing, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Rohini, and Anand Vihar saw AQI readings above 380, putting them at risk of entering the “severe” category.

The ban, imposed by the Delhi government on October 14th, prohibited the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025. However, the disregard for the ban resulted in a thick blanket of smog engulfing the city on Diwali morning, making it the worst air quality on the festival in the last three years.

Pollution monitoring stations recorded alarmingly high PM2.5 levels, with some areas registering over 900 micrograms per cubic metre, more than 15 times the safe limit. This fine particulate matter poses a serious threat to human health, particularly to respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Despite the government’s efforts, including deploying 377 enforcement teams and raising awareness through resident welfare associations and market associations, the ban was largely ignored. Police have been instructed to take legal action against individuals found bursting firecrackers, including possible charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for violating government orders.

The grim reality of Delhi’s air pollution is a result of a confluence of factors, including vehicular emissions, paddy straw burning in neighboring states, and local pollution sources like firecrackers. This persistent issue poses a significant health threat to residents and underscores the need for stricter enforcement and long-term sustainable solutions.

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