Delhi, Mumbai Grapple With Soaring Pollution Levels, Prompting Stringent Measures

As the festive lights of Diwali fade away, the air quality in both Delhi and Mumbai is taking a perilous nosedive, leaving residents choking in the aftermath of the celebrations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has reached alarming levels, earning the city the dubious distinction of being the most polluted globally, while Mumbai grapples with its pollution woes despite a slight improvement from the previous year.

In the Indian capital, the air quality deteriorated further two days after Diwali, reaching a 'severe' category in many areas. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR)-India data, the overall AQI in Delhi spiked to 373 on Tuesday morning, erasing the brief respite from earlier rain. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported severe AQI levels in RK Puram (422), Dwarka (406), Punjabi Bagh (410), ITO (430), Jahangirpuri (428), IGI Airport (426), Mundka (418), Dwarka Sector 8 (404), New Moti Bagh (422), and Rohini (417).

Delhi's neighbouring city, Noida, also experienced alarming air quality, with an AQI of 406 in Sector-125. Meanwhile, Gurugram in Haryana witnessed hazardous air quality with the AQI soaring to 430 in Sector 51. Despite a ban on firecrackers during Diwali, the relentless bursting of fireworks, coupled with lax enforcement, led to a dramatic increase in PM 2.5 concentration. Anand Vihar recorded 1,985 micrograms per cubic meter, 33 times more than the national safe standard and 132 times over the WHO-recommended limit.

Internationally, Delhi claimed the undesirable title of the most polluted city on Monday, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company. Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan followed closely, while Mumbai ranked as the eighth most polluted city globally. This alarming trend prompts concerns not only for the health of residents but also for the overall environmental impact.

In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken a stringent step by doubling parking charges in its managed sites. This move aims to discourage private vehicle usage in adherence to the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) Stage IV guidelines implemented due to the severe pollution situation in the capital.

Moving to Mumbai, the financial capital of the country witnessed a drop in air quality to the 'moderate' category two days after Diwali. The overall AQI stood at 126 on Tuesday morning, according to SAFAR data. Specific areas in the city reported even higher AQI levels, with the Bandra Kurla Complex and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport recording 155 and 158, respectively.

Despite a Bombay High Court order limiting firecracker bursting to a two-hour window on Diwali, many people defied restrictions, contributing to the deterioration of air quality. The Mumbai Police remained vigilant, registering nearly 784 cases and taking action against 806 individuals for violating the HC order between November 10 and November 12.

However, the overall AQI figure, while elevated, marks an improvement from the 'poor' air quality levels last year, reaching an AQI of 305 post-Diwali. The enforcement of guidelines by the BMC and Mumbai Police, though challenged by some residents, has played a role in curbing violations and ensuring a more controlled celebration.

Challenging prevailing perceptions, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) asserted that attributing rising pollution solely to heavy construction in Mumbai is unfair. They argue that refineries, waste management, and power plants significantly impact the city's air quality. The recent identification of the M-East ward, encompassing Chembur, Mankhurd, and Deonar, with the highest air pollution levels underscores diverse contributors, including power plants, refineries, and the Deonar landfill, according to a statement from the developers' body.

Earlier, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued guidelines in October 2023 to 6,000 construction sites, encompassing private real estate and infrastructure projects, aimed at curbing dust and air pollution in the city. Despite these efforts, Mumbai continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenge of maintaining air quality standards in the face of urban development, industrial activities, and festive celebrations.

As both Delhi and Mumbai navigate the aftermath of Diwali, it becomes increasingly evident that a comprehensive and sustained effort is needed to address the root causes of air pollution. The health and well-being of millions depend on the effective implementation of measures to curb pollution, not only during festivals but throughout the year.