Delhi Faces Diwali Pollution Threat as AQI Crosses 400 in Key Areas, Officials Warn Danger

National news:  Diwali, known as the festival of lights, has once again brought a dark cloud of pollution over Delhi. By early morning, several areas had already crossed alarming AQI levels. The mix of firecrackers, cold weather, and still winds threatens to trap toxic air. For residents, celebrations come with fear of breathing in poisonous fumes. The festive joy is overshadowed by smog and suffocation.

Anand Vihar Turns Red Zone

According to 3 a.m. data, East Delhi’s Anand Vihar became the pollution hotspot. It recorded AQI 413, placing it in the “severe” category. Experts say this level of air quality is extremely harmful, especially for children and elderly people. Such conditions can trigger asthma attacks, eye irritation, and lung infections. Locals complain that visibility is also dropping rapidly in the area.

Other Areas Record Dangerous Levels

Pollution was not limited to Anand Vihar. RK Puram recorded 365, Wazirpur touched 388, and Vivek Vihar stood at 375. In West Delhi, Dwarka reached 337, while Rohini clocked 342. Even central areas like ITO, Connaught Place, and India Gate were in the “very poor” range. Residents across the city reported burning eyes and difficulty in breathing as the toxic haze thickened.

CM Rekha Gupta’s Appeal

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged people to avoid firecrackers and celebrate in eco-friendly ways. She suggested lighting lamps, creating rangolis, and sharing sweets instead of bursting fireworks. Gupta appealed to citizens to use only green crackers if necessary. In her Diwali message, she stressed that the festival should be celebrated in peace and harmony, not under a cloud of smoke.

Authorities Enforce Strict Measures

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes restrictions on construction activities and strict checks on industrial emissions. The decision was taken after reviewing worsening conditions with inputs from the Indian Meteorological Department and IITM forecasts. Officials warned the situation may deteriorate further in coming days if wind speed remains low.

Health Risks for Residents

Doctors across the city have advised people to stay indoors as much as possible. Schools and offices have been asked to limit outdoor activities. Experts caution that long exposure to current AQI levels equals smoking multiple cigarettes a day. Hospitals reported a rise in patients with coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress. Vulnerable groups are at the highest risk during these toxic hours.

The Road Ahead for Delhi

The pollution crisis on Diwali is not new, but it is worsening each year. Environmentalists argue that only collective discipline and reduced use of firecrackers can save the city. Authorities have urged citizens to act responsibly for the sake of their families’ health. The future of Delhi’s air depends on both strong government measures and people’s cooperation. For now, celebrations remain clouded by smog.