Haryana Records Hazardous 500 AQI in 15 Districts; Overnight Firecracker Violations Defy Supreme Court Ban
Despite explicit Supreme Court restrictions, Delhi-NCR witnessed widespread firecracker use throughout Diwali night, resulting in severely deteriorated air quality across the National Capital Region. By Tuesday morning, a thick blanket of smog engulfed the region, pushing air quality into hazardous territory with multiple monitoring stations recording critically toxic pollution levels.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates Sharply
Several prominent Delhi localities including Akshardham, ITO, and AIIMS recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) readings exceeding 300 by 8:00 AM Tuesday morning. Of the 38 air monitoring stations operational in the capital, 36 stations registered pollution levels in the red zone—categorized as “very poor” to “severe.”
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI had already surpassed 344 by 10:00 PM Monday evening. Specific readings painted an alarming picture across the capital:
- Dwarka: AQI 417 (Severe)
- Ashok Vihar: AQI 404 (Severe)
- Wazirpur: AQI 423 (Severe)
- Anand Vihar: AQI 404 (Severe)
Haryana Records Catastrophic 500 AQI
The situation proved even more dire in neighboring Haryana, where 15 districts recorded catastrophic AQI levels reaching 500—the maximum measurable threshold—by midnight Monday. This represents the most hazardous air quality category, posing serious health risks even to healthy individuals.
Tuesday morning readings showed marginal improvement but remained in dangerous territory:
- Rohtak: AQI 320 (Very Poor)
- Narnaul: AQI 311 (Very Poor)
- Bahadurgarh: AQI 306 (Very Poor)
Rajasthan Also Affected
Rajasthan recorded an overall AQI of 243 by 8:00 AM Tuesday, categorized as “poor” air quality. Bhiwadi emerged as the state’s most polluted location with an AQI of 318. Any reading above 200 falls under the “poor” category, indicating potential respiratory discomfort for sensitive populations.
Supreme Court Restrictions Openly Violated
The Supreme Court had explicitly permitted only green crackers (low-emission firecrackers) in Delhi-NCR, restricting their use to a two-hour window between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Diwali night. However, ground reports and monitoring data confirm that residents continued bursting firecrackers well past midnight, with many localities reporting conventional high-pollution firecrackers rather than approved green alternatives.
This blatant disregard for judicial directives and environmental regulations has resulted in severe public health consequences, with millions of residents now exposed to toxic air quality levels.
Understanding AQI Categories:
- 0-50 (Good): Minimal health impact
- 51-100 (Satisfactory): Minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals
- 101-200 (Moderate): Breathing discomfort for people with respiratory diseases
- 201-300 (Poor): Breathing discomfort for most people on prolonged exposure
- 301-400 (Very Poor): Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure
- 401-500 (Severe): Affects healthy people; serious health impacts on those with existing conditions
- 500+ (Severe+/Hazardous): Emergency conditions; entire population affected
Health Implications
Medical experts warn that AQI levels above 400 pose immediate health risks including:
- Acute respiratory distress
- Aggravation of heart and lung diseases
- Increased risk of asthma attacks
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Reduced lung function in children and elderly
- Potential long-term cardiovascular damage
Vulnerable populations including children, elderly citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions face particularly severe risks.
Enforcement Failures Questioned
The widespread violations raise serious questions about enforcement mechanisms. Despite advance warnings, police deployment, and publicized penalties, the restrictions proved largely ineffective. Environmental activists and public health advocates have called for accountability and stricter implementation of pollution control measures.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and state pollution boards are expected to submit compliance reports to the Supreme Court, which may initiate contempt proceedings against enforcement authorities for failing to implement its directives effectively.
Immediate Measures Advised
Authorities recommend residents:
- Minimize outdoor exposure, especially during morning and evening hours
- Use N95/N99 masks when venturing outdoors
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use air purifiers indoors where possible
- Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities
- Monitor AQI levels regularly through official apps
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