On November 1, 2024, New Delhi experienced a significant rise in air pollution levels coinciding with the Diwali festival, as residents disregarded a ban on firecrackers. Despite ongoing health warnings regarding the dangers of pollution, the demand for fireworks remained high, leading to widespread use during the celebrations.
Air quality monitoring company IQAir reported that PM2.5 levels exceeded 345 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing World Health Organization guidelines by 23 times. This alarming level of pollution has raised concerns among health experts, who note that air quality deteriorates significantly during this festive period.
A study published in 'The Lancet Planetary Health' indicated that between 2008 and 2019, approximately 12,000 deaths annually in New Delhi were attributed to air pollution, representing 11.5% of total deaths in the city. Additionally, a report from the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF stated that in 2021, 2.1 million deaths in India were linked to air pollution, with the country recording the highest number of child fatalities globally.
Despite the data and health implications, many residents either remain unaware or unconvinced of the risks associated with firecracker use. New Delhi has once again been labeled the world's most polluted city, surpassing Lahore, as hospitals brace for an influx of patients suffering from respiratory issues following the celebrations.
As the debate continues, some residents argue that the cultural significance of fireworks during Diwali outweighs the health risks, highlighting a need for further research into the psychological factors driving this behavior.