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There is a pollution problem in India where the air quality has significantly worsened in recent days due to. The government is under pressure to issue regulations to limit air pollution. Air quality has worsened again in recent hours in New Delhi, with a level of pollution that exceeded 25-30 times that considered by the WHO to be dangerous for health. The fireworks lit for the event are also responsible for this intense blanket of smog Diwali festival.
INSIGHTS
“Ever since they were little, both my twins often had colds and a persistent cough, which magically disappeared every time we left the city,” Delhi resident Bhavreen Kandhari told DW. “This pattern was becoming common among many children, clearly pointing to air quality as the cause,” added Kandhari, co-founder of Warrior Moms, a collective fighting for children’s right to clean air.
Every year the Indian capital has to deal with air pollution reaching dangerous levels during the Diwali festival during which residents set off millions of fireworks.
India, pollution alert: air quality exceeds the dangerous level for health by 30 times
This week, Monday in large areas of the Indian capital PM 2.5 exceeded 350 micrograms per cubic meter (cubic metre). Experts from IMD, the Indian Meteorological Institute, predict that the situation will worsen further in the coming days due to the intertwining of weather conditions, smoke from fireworks which will be fired, in spite of the bans, on the occasion of the Diwali holiday , on November 1st), and for stubble fires in the agricultural areas of the neighboring states, Punjab and Haryana. Every year, with the arrival of winter, Delhi finds itself enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, in which the smoke from stubble and fireworks mixes with dust and emissions from cars, and remains floating over the city due to the low strength of the winds.
Diwali, what is the festival of lights in India: flowers, sweets and fireworks for the Jain New Year
The authorities have launched a series of measures, such as the ban on construction site activities, the ban on diesel generators, the prohibition of coal and wood for making fires, and invite residents not to stay outdoors and to use as much as possible public transport to contain emissions generated by traffic.
Residents are forced to purchase air purifiers and N95 masks while the city is shrouded in smog and the air quality index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels.
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The Toxic Triumph of Diwali: Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis
Every Monday, here’s the scoop from the director’s point.
Let’s be honest, folks: if London fog was fashionable, Delhi’s smog would be on the runway. In a turn of events that surprises absolutely no one, air quality in New Delhi has taken a nosedive again. We’re talking levels of pollution that are 25 to 30 times higher than what even the WHO is shaking its head over. You know it’s bad when even your car’s air freshener starts crying for help!
Insights from the Ground: Where’s the Fresh Air?
Bhavreen Kandhari, a resident of Delhi and co-founder of “Warrior Moms,” recently said, “Ever since they were little, both my twins often had colds and a persistent cough, which magically disappeared every time we left the city.”
Quite the coincidence, isn’t it? Maybe the smog isn’t as magical as the fireworks they set off for Diwali, but it certainly is a persistent part of their lives—like that annoying friend who invites themselves over for coffee… every day.
Diwali—When the Fireworks Meet the Fog
Every year, we find ourselves back in this delightful (note sarcasm) scenario: air pollution soaring during the Diwali festivities. This year’s Monday was no exception with PM 2.5 levels spiking over 350 micrograms per cubic meter. To put that into perspective, it’s like putting your head inside a vacuum cleaner full of used gym socks!
And it’s not just the fireworks! Throw in the increasing smoke from stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana, and you have a recipe for respiratory disaster. Add some dust and emissions, and look! You’ve got Delhi’s winter smog soup—served hot!
What’s Being Done?
The authorities have sprung into action with a series of bans—like construction, diesel generators, and wood-burning fires. Unfortunately, telling people not to go outside when they can’t breathe seems like a bit of a harsh measure, don’t you think? It’s like saying, “Why don’t we take your sandwich-making skills away and give you a salad instead?” Perfectly healthy, perhaps, but where’s the joy?
Goodbye Fresh Air, Hello Heavy Breathing
This leads to an essential question: What do you do when the air is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife? Apparently, you start stocking up on air purifiers and N95 masks like it’s the latest must-have fashion accessory. Seriously, I almost expect to see air purifiers featured in Vogue next season. “Darling, darling, I’m not wearing masks for health; it’s a look!”
Conclusion: A Smoggy Situation
Time to face the music, folks. Diwali, while a festival of lights and joy, also brings with it a cloudy side that’s suffocating our children and leaving the adults gasping for fresh air. Delhi residents are left to ponder if they should celebrate a festival of lights, or should they prepare for an annual celebration of being more huddled inside than outside.
So this Diwali, as you light your diyas and burst those crackers, remember there’s a thick cloud of smog hovering above. With air conditioning, a bit of luck, and a strong sense of humor, may the force of fresh air be with you!
**Interview: The Toxic Triumph of Diwali: Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on the ongoing air quality crisis in India, and more specifically, in New Delhi, where residents are struggling under a severe layer of toxic smog, particularly following the recent Diwali celebrations. Joining us today is Bhavreen Kandhari, a Delhi resident and co-founder of “Warrior Moms,” a collective advocating for children’s rights to clean air. Bhavreen, thank you for being here.
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen reports that air quality levels have reached alarming heights—25 to 30 times higher than what the WHO deems dangerous. Can you share your thoughts on how this impacts families in the city?
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** Absolutely. It’s a critical issue for our children’s health. For example, my twins have had persistent colds and coughs for as long as I can remember, returning to normal when we leave the city for a few days. This pattern is unfortunately common among many kids in Delhi. We’re witnessing firsthand how poor air quality is affecting our children’s respiratory health.
**Host:** It sounds incredibly frustrating. With the arrival of Diwali, fireworks play a significant role in this annual cycle of pollution. What are some challenges faced when addressing this issue, especially during festive times?
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** The challenge is multi-faceted. On one hand, Diwali is a time of celebration and tradition. On the other, the sheer volume of fireworks drastically worsens air quality. Despite bans on certain fireworks, many continue to disregard these regulations. It’s a reminder that we need to balance cultural festivities with health precautions, a conversation that’s often sidelined.
**Host:** You mentioned regulations; what measures are currently being taken by the authorities to combat this rising pollution, and are they sufficient?
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** Authorities have implemented several bans, such as on construction activities and the use of diesel generators. However, these measures often feel more reactive than proactive. We need long-term, sustainable solutions focused on reducing emissions year-round, not just during peak pollution seasons.
**Host:** Lastly, what can residents do to protect themselves during these high pollution days, especially families with young children?
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** It’s vital for families to stay indoors as much as possible, use air purifiers, and wear N95 masks if they must venture outside. Additionally, we’re encouraging folks to join our initiative to push for more stringent pollution control measures. Collective pressure is key to making long-lasting changes in policy and raising awareness about the dire need for clean air.
**Host:** Thank you, Bhavreen, for sharing such insightful perspectives on this pressing issue. Your advocacy work is crucial in the fight for cleaner air in Delhi.
**Bhavreen Kandhari:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going and push for positive change.
**Host:** And to our listeners, let’s stay informed and take action. This is a situation that affects us all. Stay tuned for more updates on air quality and community initiatives. Thank you for joining us!
