Delhi’s air quality, which traditionally worsens in winter due to crop burning and cooler weather trapping pollutants, reached alarming levels after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to "severe" in multiple regions across the city. This has prompted legal action and intensified scrutiny over the enforcement of the ban. Many citizens reported firecrackers going off in various neighborhoods, particularly during the night of Diwali, sparking concerns over both air pollution and public compliance with the government’s directives.
The Supreme Court’s intervention responds to pleas from environmental groups and citizens alike, urging accountability for the apparent failures in enforcing the firecracker prohibition. The Delhi government and police have been directed to explain the lapses and provide a detailed response on the measures implemented to prevent such violations. Authorities have come under criticism for the perceived lack of sufficient monitoring and timely action to prevent the sale and use of firecrackers in the days leading up to the festival.
Environmental activists argue that the ongoing use of firecrackers contradicts the government’s stringent stance on pollution control and diminishes the progress made in public health initiatives aimed at reducing airborne toxins. Following the Supreme Court notice, environmental advocates expect a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms, including increased penalties for defaulters and an extended awareness campaign on the health impacts of pollution.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), along with the police, had set up monitoring teams and check-points to intercept firecrackers and penalize offenders. However, implementation on the ground appeared inconsistent, with numerous reports of crackers being burst without timely intervention. Delhi’s police force claimed to have registered over 200 cases related to illegal cracker use, but the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned.
The court notice also brings into focus the broader challenges in balancing cultural festivities with environmental sustainability. Despite efforts to promote “green” celebrations, many residents flouted the ban, citing traditional customs. This underlines the tension between cultural practices and environmental imperatives, as well as the need for more viable, alternative forms of celebration that align with pollution control objectives.
Medical experts have underscored the impact of post-Diwali pollution, highlighting a spike in respiratory illnesses across hospitals in the city. Doctors report an increase in patients with breathing difficulties, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other pollution-related conditions, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly and children. This season has seen heightened admissions in emergency rooms for pollution-triggered conditions, marking a strain on Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure as it grapples with the dual challenges of pollution and seasonal health issues.
In response to the Supreme Court notice, officials from the Delhi government have reiterated their commitment to minimizing air pollution but acknowledged the difficulty in achieving full compliance. They cited logistical challenges, such as the limited manpower for extensive monitoring and the difficulty in controlling cracker usage in densely populated urban areas. However, they pledged to explore stronger enforcement tactics in the future, including stricter punitive measures and broader public education initiatives aimed at reducing pollution during major festivals.