In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai have emerged among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities, highlighting the severe impact of post-festivity air quality deterioration. The Swiss group IQAir reported that New Delhi, as customary, claimed the top spot with an air quality index (AQI) of 420, categorizing it as ‘hazardous.’
Kolkata followed closely, securing the fourth position with an AQI of 196, while Mumbai ranked eighth with an AQI of 163. The hazardous AQI levels in these cities pose significant health risks, impacting both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.
An AQI level of 400-500 is considered dangerous, particularly for individuals with existing diseases, while levels of 150-200 bring discomfort to people with asthma, lung, and heart problems. Levels ranging from 0-50 are considered good.
The thick layer of smog that enveloped New Delhi from Sunday night escalated its AQI to an alarming 680 shortly after midnight. Despite annual bans on firecrackers in the capital, the enforcement of these restrictions remains sporadic.
Air quality in India consistently deteriorates before winter, as cold air traps pollutants from various sources, including vehicles, industrial activities, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. The post-Diwali period exacerbates these issues, raising concerns about public health and the need for more stringent measures to combat air pollution.
While authorities in New Delhi had initially postponed restrictions on vehicle usage after a brief spell of rain on Friday, they plan to review the decision after Diwali. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing air quality concerns in India, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle pollution and protect public health.
Sources By Agencies
