Severe drop in air quality plagues Indian cities amid heavy fireworks during holiday

Residents in the Indian capital Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog as air pollution reached dangerous levels following fireworks and pyrotechnic displays to celebrate Diwali, despite a court ban.

As reported by National News, the Central Pollution Control Board, India’s leading environmental watchdog, recorded average air quality levels in the city at more than 400 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on November 13. This spike was attributed to fireworks held throughout Sunday and the early hours of Monday morning.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, also experienced a haze, with air quality levels recorded at poor levels, a lingering effect from Diwali celebrations. In certain areas, the AQI surpassed 900. The AQI scale considers readings between zero and 50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, and 101-200 as moderate. However, 201-300 is deemed poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Despite a Supreme Court ban on the sale of fireworks, residents disregarded the prohibition, despite warnings from authorities about the potential impact on air quality levels.

Desperate measures have been implemented by authorities to mitigate air pollution. Schools and government offices have been closed, water sprinklers installed, and, at times, construction and heavy vehicles banned. Although initially considered, the odd-even traffic restriction plan, allowing vehicles with odd and even number plates to travel on alternate days to curb pollution, has been shelved.

Following Diwali celebrations, numerous residents have reported congestion, headaches, burning eyes, and itchy throats due to the compromised air quality.