Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Toxic Smog Blankets Capital for Second Day After Diwali Celebrations Despite Firecracker Restrictions

Delhi remained shrouded in toxic haze for a second consecutive day following Diwali celebrations, as residents continued igniting firecrackers beyond the Supreme Court's designated two-hour window. The capital's air quality index (AQI) registered at 345 by 7 am, firmly within the 'very poor' category according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

Among the city's 38 monitoring stations, 34 reported air quality ranging from 'very poor' to 'severe.' Two locations - Punjabi Bagh and Wazirpur - reached the 'severe zone' with alarming AQI readings of 433 and 401 respectively.

For context, AQI values between 0-50 indicate 'good' air quality, 51-100 'satisfactory,' 101-200 'moderate,' 201-300 'poor,' 301-400 'very poor,' and 401-500 'severe.'

Visual evidence from ITO, where the AQI measured 361, showed a distinct smog layer enveloping the area as authorities implemented GRAP-2 (Graded Response Action Plan) measures.

Tuesday's air quality index of approximately 350 marked a five-year post-Diwali low, despite a 77.5 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents, which typically contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution crisis. PM2.5 concentrations reached alarming averages of 488 micrograms per cubic meter - nearly 100 times higher than World Health Organization recommended exposure limits.

These conditions persisted despite the Supreme Court's October 15 directive permitting only 'green' firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali. The order had established specific timeframes - 6 am to 7 pm the day before Diwali and 8 am to 10 pm on the festival itself. However, numerous residents disregarded these restrictions, with celebrations extending well into the night.

The deteriorating air quality has intensified political tensions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), whose previous failures to address smog and Yamuna River pollution contributed to electoral defeat earlier this year, criticized the ruling BJP government. AAP MLA Gopal Rai accused Delhi's administration of "making excuses" rather than taking meaningful action against pollution, while also claiming BJP leaders encouraged firecracker use despite the capital's air emergency.

AAP state chief Saurabh Bharadwaj mocked Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alleging she couldn't even correctly pronounce "AQI," instead saying "IQ" or "QQ," and suggesting she lacked understanding of the crisis.

The BJP countered by attributing the pollution to citizens ignoring firecracker restrictions and citing stubble burning from neighboring states as responsible for Delhi's smog blanket.