Worsening Air Quality in India Post-Diwali: A Critical Concern

Worsening Air Quality in India Post-Diwali: A Critical Concern

VoM News Desk | November 14, 2023 | 09:10 AM IST | Climate & Environment, Delhi | Follow on Google News

Worsening Air Quality in India Post-Diwali: A Critical Concern

Rapid Deterioration Post-Diwali Festivities

The air quality in several Indian cities has significantly deteriorated over the past two weeks, with a notable increase following the Diwali festival. The widespread use of firecrackers during this period contributed to a surge in pollution levels across different states. This trend has been particularly pronounced in major urban centers, including Delhi and Mumbai, where air quality has shifted from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor.’

Stubble Burning and Vehicle Emissions: Key Contributing Factors

Contributing to this environmental challenge is the prevalent practice of stubble burning in the Indo-Gangetic plain, coupled with high vehicular emissions. Despite a temporary improvement before Diwali due to Western disturbances, the air quality worsened post-celebrations. The top ten cities with the poorest air quality include two from Haryana, three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Bihar, one each from Punjab, Rajasthan, and the national capital, Delhi.

Current Air Quality Index (AQI) Scenario

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as of November 13 shows no city in the ‘severe’ air quality category. However, 53 cities fall under ‘very poor,’ 85 under ‘poor,’ and 75 under ‘moderate’ air quality categories. Only 32 cities rank in the ‘satisfactory’ to ‘good’ range. Bhagpat in Uttar Pradesh and Gurugram in Haryana are currently the most polluted, registering ‘severe’ air quality levels.

Efforts to Address Pollution Concerns

Efforts are underway to address these environmental concerns. For instance, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has doubled parking fees to encourage public transport use. Additionally, hospitals like RML in Delhi have opened special pollution OPDs. With various cities experiencing high pollution levels, there’s a growing call for effective measures to combat air pollution and improve air quality across the nation.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.