2 Days Before Diwali, Delhi Gasps, Pg5.

Key Highlights:

• Delhi’s PM10 levels peaked at 843 µg/m³ and PM2.5 at 490 µg/m³, compared to WHO’s 24-hour safe limits of 50 µg/m³ (PM10) and 15 µg/m³ (PM2.5).
• Pollution levels in Dwarka (782 µg/m³) and Wazirpur (669 µg/m³) were also alarmingly high.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) on October 18 stood at 268 in Delhi, 258 in Gurgaon, and 324 in Ghaziabad — all categorized as “Poor” or “Very Poor.”
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), stagnant wind conditions and local emissions are intensifying pollution levels.
• Experts warn that Diwali fireworks and post-harvest stubble burning could worsen the situation further.

Detailed Insights:

• Health Impacts:
  • Fine particles (PM2.5) penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and premature deaths.
  • Doctors report an increase in breathing distress and eye irritation during pre-Diwali pollution spikes.
• Causes of the Spike:
  • Localized emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction dust combined with stagnant air trapped pollutants near the surface.
  • Seasonal crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana further worsened the regional air quality.
• Legal and Regulatory Context:
  • The Supreme Court has restricted firecracker use to “green crackers” only, permitted for limited hours (6–7 am and 8–10 pm).
  • Despite curbs, compliance remains low, and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been reactivated in NCR districts.
• Forecast:
  • The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) predicts a further rise in particulate matter due to low wind speeds and temperature inversion.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• PM10 and PM2.5: Particulate matter smaller than 10 and 2.5 micrometers respectively; PM2.5 is more harmful as it infiltrates deeper into the respiratory tract.
• AQI (Air Quality Index): A composite measure indicating the level of air pollution; 201–300 = Poor, 301–400 = Very Poor.
• Temperature Inversion: A meteorological condition trapping pollutants close to the surface during cooler nights and early mornings.