Sat Nov 02 15:15:54 UTC 2024: ## Diwali Pollution Peaks Higher Than Previous Years, But Clears Quickly: CSE Report

**New Delhi:** Diwali 2024 saw a significant spike in air pollution levels, with PM2.5 levels reaching a peak of 603 µg/m³ at midnight on October 31, a 13% increase compared to the previous two years, according to a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

While the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reported a 4% decrease in PM2.5 levels compared to last year’s Diwali, the CSE analysis highlighted a concerning trend: a rapid increase in PM2.5 levels leading up to the festival, culminating in a severe peak at midnight.

“The unique trend this year was the sudden sharp increase in pollution at night and its quicker dissipation the day after,” the CSE report stated.

This rapid build-up and dissipation were attributed to warm atmospheric conditions, efficient natural ventilation, and adequate wind in the city. The report noted that October 2024 was unusually warm, contributing to the faster clearance of pollutants.

Despite the quicker dissipation, the CSE report pointed out that nine air quality monitoring stations recorded PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the critical threshold of 900 µg/m³ on Diwali night. The highest levels were observed in Nehru Nagar, Anand Vihar, Pusa IMD, Wazirpur, and JLN Stadium.

Furthermore, the CSE report highlighted a surge in farm fire incidents on Diwali day, which contributed to a 27% increase in Delhi’s air pollution. Punjab accounted for the majority of these incidents, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

The report also revealed higher nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on Diwali night, indicating increased traffic congestion leading up to the festival. ITO recorded the highest NO2 levels in the city, while Lodhi Road remained the least affected area.

The CSE report underscores the continued challenge of air pollution during Diwali, despite the faster dissipation of pollutants this year. The report emphasizes the need for stricter measures to curb pollution, including addressing agricultural fires and promoting sustainable practices.

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