Dense smog chokes Delhi after Diwali despite firecracker ban

A dense blanket of smog enveloped several areas in Delhi today, the morning after Diwali, pushing the city's air quality into the 'very poor' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Air Quality Index (AQI) readings surpassed 350 in most parts of the city, sparking health concerns for residents.

At around 7:00 am, AQI levels reached 395 in Anand Vihar, 352 in Aya Nagar, 390 in Jahangirpuri, and 376 in Dwarka. All these areas registered 'very poor' air quality, posing serious health risks.

Delhi’s neighboring cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, showed slightly lower AQI levels, remaining generally in the 'poor' category. Faridabad recorded the lowest AQI among them at 181.

The pollution crisis extended beyond Delhi, with several cities across India, such as Chennai and Mumbai, also experiencing poor air quality and smog. CPCB data revealed significant pollution levels in many urban centers after Diwali, underscoring national concerns over air quality and health.

Delhi authorities had enacted a stringent firecracker ban, prohibiting their manufacture, sale, and use across the city. To enforce compliance, 377 teams, including resident welfare associations, market committees, and social organizations, were mobilized, and police units were stationed in various neighborhoods.

Officials warned that violators would face action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defying the ban. Despite these efforts, reports indicated widespread non-compliance, with firecrackers lighting up the night sky in areas like Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash, particularly in east and west Delhi.