Delhi’s air quality worsens post-Diwali:Toxic haze and firecracker emissions weaken immunity, raising experts’ concerns over higher risk of viral infections and respiratory illnesses
Stubble burning has reduced, but it’s no longer the main culprit. What we’re seeing is a city choking itself with its own emissions,” said environmentalist Sunita Narain. “The solution lies in year-round enforcement, not just post-festival firefighting.” A thick layer of toxic haze enveloped Delhi for the second straight day after Diwali celebrations, as widespread violations of the Supreme Court’s two-hour green cracker window pushed the city’s air quality into the ‘very poor’ zone. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 345 at 7 a.m., with pollution levels in several parts of the capital hovering on the brink of the ‘severe’ category. Of the 38 CPCB monitoring stations, 34 recorded AQI readings between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’, while Punjabi Bagh (433) and Wazirpur (401) were identified as pollution hotspots. Experts say calm winds, low temperatures, and stagnant weather conditions have worsened the haze, trapping pollutants close to the surface and delaying dispersion. Although farm fires across Punjab and Haryana reportedly fell by nearly 77% compared to previous years, the spike in pollution this year has been largely attributed to firecracker emissions and local sources such as vehicular exhaust, construction dust, and diesel generators. The post-Diwali PM2.5 average shot up to around 488 micrograms per cubic metre, more than double the pre-festival levels, according to a Climate Trends analysis. Health concerns mount amid deteriorating air Doctors have raised alarms over the health impact of prolonged exposure to toxic air, warning that it not only irritates the lungs but also weakens the body’s natural immune defenses.“High levels of air pollution alter the immune response in the respiratory tract by reducing the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells the body’s frontline soldiers against infections,” explained Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS Director. “This makes individuals more susceptible to viral illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19.” Studies have shown that pollutants like PM2.5 can damage the cilia in the respiratory tract, disrupt airway barriers, and trigger chronic inflammation creating a favourable environment for viruses to thrive. The combination of cooler post-monsoon temperatures and reduced humidity further aids viral survival and transmission. Health experts have advised citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments, to avoid early-morning walks, wear N95 masks outdoors, and use air purifiers indoors. Authorities activate GRAP Stage II Measures With pollution levels escalating, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes restrictions on construction activities, a ban on diesel generator use (except for essential services), and advisories to curb vehicular pollution. Meanwhile, political sparring has erupted between the AAP and BJP over the failure to prevent firecracker violations despite repeated court orders and awareness drives. The Delhi government has urged residents to refrain from further bursting crackers and has warned of fines for those caught flouting restrictions. Recurring crisis The post-Diwali haze has become an annual health emergency for the National Capital Region. Experts emphasise that unless local emissions are curtailed and strict enforcement of firecracker and dust-control regulations is maintained, Delhi will continue to suffocate each winter. “Stubble burning has reduced, but it’s no longer the main culprit. What we’re seeing is a city choking itself with its own emissions,” said environmentalist Sunita Narain. “The solution lies in year-round enforcement, not just post-festival firefighting.”