Smoky Skies in Delhi Today: Air Quality Worsens After Diwali

New Delhi, India – The air quality in Delhi worsened on Monday, November 13, 2023, following the Diwali celebrations the night before. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 420, which is considered to be in the “severe” category.
The smoke from the Diwali firecrackers, combined with other pollutants such as vehicle emissions and dust, created a thick haze that enveloped the city. Residents reported having difficulty breathing and experiencing itchy eyes and throat irritation.
The government has imposed a ban on firecrackers in Delhi in an attempt to improve the air quality, but the ban is often flouted by residents. This year, the government has taken steps to enforce the ban more strictly, but it appears to have had little effect.
The Delhi government has also issued a number of advisories to residents, urging them to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity. Schools have been closed for two days, and government employees have been asked to work from home.
The air quality in Delhi is expected to improve in the coming days, as the wind is expected to pick up and disperse the pollutants. However, residents are advised to continue to take precautions to protect their health.

Impact of Smoky Skies on Health

Exposure to smoky skies can have a number of negative health effects, including:

Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution.

Residents of Delhi can take a number of steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of smoky skies, including:

Staying indoors as much as possible, especially during the early morning and evening hours when the air quality is typically worse.
Avoiding strenuous activity.
Wearing a mask when outdoors.
Using an air purifier in the home.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Eating a healthy diet.

Residents can also help to improve the air quality in Delhi by reducing their own vehicle emissions and by avoiding burning trash.