Greta Jimenez
Delhi is known for being one of the most polluted cities in the world, especially during the winter months from October to January, which coincide with the religious festival of Diwali. The burning of firecrackers during the festival has been blamed for worsening air quality in the city, with PM2.5 levels rising by up to 13% on Diwali night in 2024, according to some reports. While the increase in pollution may seem relatively small, it is important to note that it is on top of already high pollution levels in the city. This has led to growing concerns about the health implications of poor air quality and calls for regulatory interventions to improve the situation.
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What You'll Learn
- PM2.5 levels rose by 13% on Diwali night in 2024
- Firecrackers and fireworks cause a dramatic spike in PM2.5 levels
- Stubble burning in neighbouring states contributes to Delhi's PM2.5 levels
- Meteorological conditions play a crucial role in pollution dispersion
- The transport sector is a significant contributor to PM2.5 levels
PM2.5 levels rose by 13% on Diwali night in 2024
Delhi's air quality is a significant concern, with Diwali celebrations contributing to a notable increase in pollution levels. In 2024, PM2.5 levels rose by 13% on Diwali night, indicating a deterioration in air quality. This rise in PM2.5 levels is concerning as these fine inhalable particles are hazardous to health.
The increase in PM2.5 levels on Diwali night in 2024 can be attributed to several factors. One of the major contributors is the bursting of firecrackers during the festivities. Despite a ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, the region witnessed a significant number of fireworks on Diwali night. The burning of firecrackers led to a rapid spike in PM2.5 levels, with concentrations more than doubling by 8 pm and reaching hazardous levels by 9 pm. This intense spike in pollution during the critical hours of Diwali highlights the impact of firecracker usage.
Another factor influencing the rise in PM2.5 levels is the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states. While there was a drop in stubble burning incidents in 2024, the pollution levels remained elevated. The smoke from crop residue burning in states like Punjab and Haryana contributed to the deterioration of air quality in Delhi. Additionally, higher nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on Diwali night indicated increased traffic congestion, further contributing to pollution.
The complex interplay of these factors underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing Delhi's air quality issues during Diwali. While the ban on firecrackers is a step in the right direction, better enforcement and a nuanced understanding of real-time data and meteorological influences are crucial. By considering all contributing factors and implementing effective strategies, Delhi can work towards mitigating the severe pollution levels experienced during the Diwali season.
Furthermore, the rise in PM2.5 levels in 2024 adds to a concerning trend. The annual PM2.5 concentration in Delhi has been increasing, with a 3.4% rise in 2024 compared to 2023. This consistent increase highlights the growing impact of pollution sources, including vehicles, industries, open burning of waste, and construction. To protect the health and well-being of Delhi's residents, urgent strategies are needed to reduce emissions from these sources and improve air quality.
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Firecrackers and fireworks cause a dramatic spike in PM2.5 levels
The burning of firecrackers and fireworks during Diwali has a significant impact on the air quality in Delhi, particularly in terms of PM2.5 levels. While there are other contributing factors to Delhi's poor air quality, firecrackers during Diwali result in a dramatic spike in PM2.5 pollutants.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in width, which is one of the most harmful pollutants as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Fireworks and firecrackers are a significant source of PM2.5 particles, and their use during Diwali celebrations in Delhi has been linked to increased levels of these harmful pollutants.
Data from monitoring stations in Delhi have consistently shown a sharp increase in PM2.5 levels during and after Diwali. For example, in 2024, PM2.5 levels in Delhi peaked at midnight on Diwali night, rising by 13% compared to the previous year. This increase was attributed to the burning of firecrackers and fireworks, despite a ban on their use in the city. Similar trends were observed in previous years, with PM2.5 levels more than doubling from 101 micrograms per cubic meter at 5 pm to 222 micrograms per cubic meter at 8 pm on Diwali night in 2024.
The impact of firecrackers on PM2.5 levels is not limited to the night of Diwali. Data from 2024 showed that pollution levels continued to rise after 10 pm on October 31, with a massive spike occurring around midnight, indicating that the effects of firecracker use can extend well into the night and early morning hours. Moreover, the day after Diwali typically sees a further surge in PM2.5 levels as the pollutants from firecrackers continue to accumulate and disperse.
While meteorological conditions, such as wind speed and direction, can play a role in dispersing the pollutants and mitigating their impact, the overall effect of firecrackers and fireworks during Diwali on PM2.5 levels in Delhi is undeniable. This has led to growing concerns and calls for regulatory interventions to address the issue and improve the city's air quality.
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Stubble burning in neighbouring states contributes to Delhi's PM2.5 levels
Delhi's air quality has become a recurring concern, especially during the winter months, when smog blankets the capital. While stubble burning in neighbouring states has been blamed for the seasonal spike in pollution, the reality is more complex. Local sources, such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial emissions, and the open burning of waste, also play a significant role in Delhi's air pollution.
Stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh has long been a focus of the debate surrounding Delhi's air quality. It is an important source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and trace gases, which impact the local and regional climate and cause severe health risks. However, the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's pollution levels has been declining. In 2024, stubble burning accounted for only 0.92% of Delhi's PM2.5 levels between October 12 and October 21, according to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). This indicates that while farm fires still play a role, they are no longer the dominant factor.
During the months of October and November 2021, the maximum daily mean contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution was estimated to be around 30-35%. This contribution is critical from a crop-residue and air-quality management perspective for policymakers. Stubble burning can have a more significant impact during specific times of the day, such as the turbulent hours of late morning to afternoon.
In 2024, stubble burning contributed an average of 10.6% to Delhi's PM2.5 pollution from October 8 to December 7, according to the Indian government. This period coincides with a rise in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana, as farmers burn crop residue to prepare the ground for the next round of crops. The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2.5 levels can vary depending on meteorological conditions, wind patterns, and other factors.
While stubble burning in neighbouring states contributes to Delhi's PM2.5 levels, it is essential to address both regional and local sources of pollution to effectively improve Delhi's air quality. Local sources, particularly vehicular emissions, play a significant, if not greater, role in Delhi's air pollution. Over half of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution comes from vehicles, with the city's roads choked by over a million registered vehicles.
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Meteorological conditions play a crucial role in pollution dispersion
The use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations in Delhi has been associated with a significant increase in air pollution, particularly in terms of PM2.5 particles. While the festival traditionally falls in early November, it was celebrated earlier in October in 2022, resulting in slightly lower pollution levels due to warmer weather.
Horizontal and vertical dispersion are important aspects of pollution dispersion. Horizontal dispersion refers to the spread of pollutants in different directions from the source, influenced by wind patterns and topography. For instance, pollution may be blown into a valley and trapped there if the wind speeds are insufficient to carry it over the surrounding ridges. Vertical dispersion, influenced by temperature inversions, affects the mixing of pollutants at different heights in the atmosphere. Overnight temperature inversions, caused by the lower atmosphere cooling down, can trap smoke and other pollutants, leading to hazy or smoky conditions.
Temperature and sunlight (solar radiation) also play a role in atmospheric chemical reactions that form photochemical smog. Water vapour is another important factor, as it can bind to particles in the air, increasing light scattering and reducing visibility. Additionally, when water molecules attach to corrosive gases, they can form acid solutions that have negative impacts on health, vegetation, and materials.
Rain has a beneficial "scavenging" effect on air quality, as it washes particulate matter and dissolves gaseous pollutants, improving visibility. However, if the dissolved gases form acid rain, it can have detrimental effects on the environment. Meteorological factors, such as wind patterns and rainfall, should be considered when studying air pollution to gain a comprehensive understanding of its dispersion and impact.
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The transport sector is a significant contributor to PM2.5 levels
Diwali celebrations in Delhi have been associated with a significant increase in PM2.5 levels. While fireworks are a major contributor, the transport sector also plays a significant role in elevating PM2.5 concentrations. On-road transportation is a primary source of toxic air pollutants, particularly PM2.5. The impact of the transport sector on PM2.5 levels varies temporally and spatially, and understanding this variation is crucial for effective policymaking.
The combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other fossil fuels in vehicles contributes to PM2.5 emissions. In the United States, it is estimated that a 6.17 billion-kilometre increase in on-road transportation per square kilometre is associated with a 1-microgram/cubic metre increase in PM2.5 concentration at the county level. This marginal contribution of around 1% may seem insignificant, but it still leads to thousands of premature deaths annually.
The environmental and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution are severe. As one of the leading environmental health risk factors globally, PM2.5 has been linked to various adverse health effects, particularly in infants, children, and older adults with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with increased hospital admissions for heart and lung issues, asthma attacks, respiratory symptoms, and even premature mortality. Long-term exposure can lead to reduced lung function growth in children and an increased risk of premature death, especially in individuals with chronic heart or lung diseases.
The transport sector's contribution to PM2.5 levels in Delhi during Diwali is a complex issue. While the focus is often on fireworks, the increased vehicle traffic during the festival, as people travel to buy gifts and visit family, also contributes to air pollution. The specific impact of the transport sector on PM2.5 levels during Diwali in Delhi requires further investigation, taking into account real-time data and meteorological conditions, which play a crucial role in pollution dispersion.
To address the health and environmental concerns associated with PM2.5 pollution, strategies must target dominant sources, including the transport sector. Implementing measures to reduce air pollution emissions from fossil-fuelled vehicles, such as regulatory compliance and enforcement, are practical steps towards mitigating the public health burden. Additionally, natural areas like forestlands and shrublands have proven effective in removing air pollution and improving air quality.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a recent analysis, Delhi's PM2.5 levels rose by 13% on Diwali night in 2024 compared to the previous year and 2022. This increase is attributed to the burning of firecrackers during the festival, with the concentration of PM2.5 particles rising during Diwali each year for the past four years.
In addition to firecrackers, there are several factors that contribute to PM pollution in Delhi during Diwali. These include the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states, increased traffic congestion, and local sources such as vehicle emissions, industry, construction, and road waste.
The air quality in Delhi during and after Diwali is often categorised as "very poor" or "severe". The high levels of PM2.5 particles and other pollutants pose significant health risks to residents, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems.
To address the issue of PM pollution in Delhi during Diwali, there have been bans on the sale and use of fireworks implemented by Indian authorities in several states. However, enforcement of these bans has been weak, and people continue to burst firecrackers as part of their traditions and celebrations. Other measures, such as the odd-even rule restricting cars on certain days, have also been implemented to improve air quality.
