Delhi's air quality plummets to hazardous levels in post-Diwali pollution spike

Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels on Monday in the aftermath of Diwali festivities, with the Air Quality Index climbing to 372 in the 'very poor' category. The sharp deterioration prompted fresh concerns among health officials and environmental agencies about respiratory risks facing the city's residents, particularly vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.

The pollution spike has triggered intense scrutiny of monitoring mechanisms and pollution control measures across the region. Authorities are examining the cumulative impact of festival-related emissions alongside existing sources of air contamination in the capital and surrounding areas.

The development has also reignited political controversy over stubble burning practices in neighbouring Punjab, with competing claims about the contribution of agricultural burning to Delhi's air quality crisis. State and central government officials have traded accusations regarding responsibility for tackling the seasonal pollution phenomenon that typically affects North India during autumn and winter months.

Environmental experts have underscored the multifactorial nature of Delhi's air pollution crisis, pointing to vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and meteorological conditions as contributing factors alongside festival-related and agricultural sources. The incident underscores persistent challenges in managing air quality during festive seasons despite regulatory measures limiting firecracker use in the national capital.