On November 7, the Capital plunged into a post-Diwali haze, thanks to hazardous levels of air pollutants including PM2.5, leaving the city with the year’s worst air quality. As people defied the firecracker ban, some places in the city registered an air quality index or AQI of 999 (0-50 is the ideal, and 101-200 moderate).

The Supreme Court’s (SC) restriction on fireworks, limiting it to two hours (8-10 pm), was violated, as also the ban on the sale of any crackers other than the ‘green’ variety with low noise and light emissions, and least-harmful chemicals.

Reeling under the progressively deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Central government recently launched its Clean Air Programme. Fifty-two teams were formed with members representing ministry of environment, forest and climate change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Construction activities were banned in the Capital during November 1-10, under the order of the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, but this too was rampantly flouted in the national capital region.

The ban, in fact, had been extended to finishing work carried out indoors as well. The order, however, ended up hurting the earnings of daily wage workers during the crucial days ahead of Diwali, when work usually peaks.

The CPCB further asked the Delhi government to ban the entry of trucks into the city for three days after Diwali, until November 10 this year.

The air quality in South India fared better than the North as a whole. The AQI on Diwali day was 103 in Chennai, while it was 90 in Bengaluru, and 89 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Photo: Kamal Narang

In defiance: Construction work continues at NITI Aayog, on Sansad Marg in Central Delhi, during the SC ban

Photo: Kamal Narang

Mask it: Traffic police kitted out with extra protection against air pollution

Photo: Kamal Narang

Uncertain future: Debris near New Rohtak Road, where wage labourers assemble every day to find work

Photo: Kamal Narang

Scant regard: Construction activities continued without stop at Windsor place, in the heart of the Capital, despite the SC ban in force from November 1-10

Photo: Kamal Narang

Powerless against pollution: Early morning smog at Rajpath, days ahead of Diwali

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Water down: Municipal workers valiantly attempt to battle the dust in the city
Photo: Kamal Narang