Delhi's air quality dips to severe levels: Kejriwal urges residents to avoid firecrackers this Diwali

Parts of the National Capital were engulfed in thick smog on Thursday, pushing the air quality into the 'Severe' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

On Thursday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar was 419, Aya Nagar had an AQI of 308, Jahangirpuri recorded 395, and Dwarka reported 359, all in the 'Very Poor' category. These high pollution levels pose health risks for residents.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal urged Delhi residents to avoid bursting firecrackers and to celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas instead. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal said, "Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers; we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not fireworks. It is not as if we are doing a favour to anybody. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone's life is important."


Delhi's air quality has worsened over the past few days, leading the Delhi government to implement measures to control pollution, including a ban on firecrackers. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, urging strict action against violations of the firecracker ban.

Minister Rai announced on October 14 a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in Delhi until January 1. In his letter to LG Saxena, Rai mentioned, "It has been brought to my notice that despite the ban, firecrackers are being openly sold in various markets of Delhi. These firecrackers are being brought through various borders connecting Delhi to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh."

The letter also noted that law enforcement agencies have not adequately enforced the ban, allowing vendors to continue selling firecrackers.