Diwali firecrackers spark air pollution debate in New Delhi

In the context of Diwali, a major festival in India, air pollution in urban areas spikes sharply due to the use of firecrackers. New Delhi has been especially affected, where authorities imposed a ban on traditional firecrackers in 2017 to mitigate health risks associated with hazardous air quality. The air quality index (AQI) often reaches severe categories during this season, resulting in significant public health challenges and halting daily activities like school and work. The continuous smog during winter is attributed not only to firecracker emissions but also to local pollution sources such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, and crop burning in surrounding regions. The combination of these factors creates a toxic milieu that both residents and officials acknowledge can lead to serious respiratory illnesses. As such, air quality health measures have become critical as millions face the consequences of this pollution annually. While some government outlets promote the use of eco-friendly firecrackers as alternatives, many residents disregard the ban, illustrating a cultural resistance to change despite evident health risks. The failure to strictly enforce regulations further complicates the issue, as it leaves the public health crisis unaddressed amid traditional celebrations. Thus, the challenges of balancing cultural practices with environmental health continue to signify larger concerns about air quality management during festive seasons in India, highlighting an ongoing debate surrounding public health and pollution control.