Air Hazard: Toxic Haze Envelops Cities; SC’s Cracker Order Ignored
The day after the Diwali air hazard, a sombre reality set in as smoke and haze veiled parts of our country. From Delhi-NCR to Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, toxic air quality returned, casting gloom on the firecracker festivities. Roads in various cities mirrored the aftermath—strewn with cracker remnants, sweet boxes, and waste.
Despite the Supreme Court’s nod for only eco-friendly crackers with designated time slots, the air bears witness to a smoky aftermath, defying the regulations. In the aftermath, two Indian cities, Kolkata and Mumbai, joined Delhi among the world’s top 10 for pollution on Monday morning.
Read more:- Delhi’s Odd-Even Scheme Decision Pending SC Review
Diwali Fallout: Poor Air Quality
In Uttar Pradesh, cities like Lucknow and Agra grapple with worsening air quality. Kanpur, too, bears the brunt of lingering smoke and fog from Diwali night. Mumbai shrouded in haze, saw its Air Quality Index (AQI) plunge into the ‘poor’ category. Kolkata and its surroundings echoed a similar ‘poor’ air quality post-Kali Puja and Diwali.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Air Quality in Ghaziabad deteriorates to 'Poor' category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Drone visuals from Ghaziabad area, shot at 7.00 am) pic.twitter.com/x9gKtfkpEj
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 13, 2023
Tamil Nadu’s Chennai faced the aftermath of Diwali with littered roads and a dip in air quality. Remnants of festivities lingered in areas like Kolathur and Koyambedu. Delhi-NCR, the epicentre of the country’s air quality concerns, saw a significant decline into the ‘Poor’ category, prompting concerns from authorities.
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#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Air Quality Index in various parts of Chennai deteriorates to 'Poor' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Drone visuals from Koyambedu, shot at 5:50 am) pic.twitter.com/djiaelxA7F
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2023
Rai Links Pollution to Diwali
Delhi’s Minister Gopal Rai attributed the deteriorating air quality to targeted firecracker bursting and political incitement. As winter approaches, multiple factors contribute to high pollution levels, including dust, vehicular emissions, cold weather, stubble burning, and crop residue burning.
#WATCH | Air Quality in Delhi deteriorates to 'Poor' category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(Visuals from Kartavya Path, shot at 7.15 am) pic.twitter.com/qHvqKi5BfA
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2023
In the aftermath of Diwali, our cities grapple with more than just waste; they grapple with the consequences of choices made in celebration.
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