Delhi AQI

Fireworks Fiasco: Delhi's Air Quality Takes a Diwali Dive!

Find out how Delhi's AQI hit the 'very bad' levels amid the Diwali celebrations and what you can do to breathe easy!

Diwali in Delhi is always a time of joy, lights, and festivities. However, this year, the celebration came with a twist that left many gasping—literally! As the clock struck midnight, marking the grand finale of fireworks, the glorious skies of Delhi turned toxic. Despite the ban on crackers, it seems the spirit of the festival was too strong to resist, leading to an alarming spike in pollution levels across the capital. According to the Environmental Minister Gopal Rai, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted into the 'very bad' category, showcasing just how out of control the use of firecrackers became.

As families gathered around to marvel at explosions of color, the aftermath was a thick blanket of smog hovering invisibly over the vibrant streets. Anand Vihar reported the most concerning AQI, leaving residents reeling from the impacts on air quality. Experts rushed in with advisory notices warning those with respiratory issues to take extra precautions, transforming a night of celebration into a cautionary tale about our air quality. Soot-covered streets were not the only consequence, individuals were left wondering if the dazzling fireworks were worth the cost— a cough here, a wheeze there.

According to meteorological data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the disaster was expected to continue, with forecasts indicating that air quality could remain in the 'very bad' realm for days to come. People are now scrambling for air purifiers, watching YouTube videos on quick DIY hacks to reduce indoor pollution levels, and sipping on tulsi-tea more than ever. Some even jest that they’d prefer to breathe in fewer pollutants while exploring the air quality index than to step outside and risk their health!

On a lighter note, Delhi's residents might need to consider new holiday traditions in the face of deteriorating air quality. Perhaps staying indoors and binge-watching Diwali-themed movies could work as an alternative? As the capital reinvents its celebration style, some are suggesting eco-friendly alternatives, such as plant-based decorations and noise-free celebrations—a small price to pay for breathing fresh air!

Interestingly, did you know that the average AQI during Diwali often rises to 400+? Comparatively, anything above 100 is considered unhealthy. Also, with the rise in pollution levels, there's a spike in demand for herbal and organic air-purifying plants. Tired of coughing up a storm? Perhaps it’s time to cultivate your own indoor air sanctuary!