Delhi braces for hazardous air quality as Diwali festivities loom

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on the eve of Diwali, with meteorological authorities cautioning residents of further deterioration in the coming 48 hours. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) has projected that pollution levels will slip into the 'severe' classification on November 8 and 9, coinciding with peak Diwali celebrations across the National Capital Region.

The severe air quality forecast underscores longstanding concerns about pollution spikes during the festival season, typically driven by a combination of firecracker emissions, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and unfavourable meteorological conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.

According to the EWS analysis, conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the subsequent six-day period, though specific details of the extended outlook were not immediately available. Health experts have repeatedly advised residents, particularly children, elderly persons, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor exposure during severe pollution episodes.

Delhiites are being urged to adopt precautionary measures including the use of N95 masks, keeping windows sealed, and monitoring real-time air quality indices before venturing outdoors. The pollution crisis has reignited debate around implementing stricter emission controls and firecracker regulations during festival seasons.