Delhi to celebrate a safer Diwali this year, say experts

Despite multiple reports of poor air quality in the Capital, environmental experts have predicted that this year during Diwali, the air quality would be much better than what it was last year in the same period.

The meteorological condition, monsoon, early Diwali and the Supreme Court’s order to ban firecrackers will be the main reasons for better air quality, predicted environmentalists.

“Delhiites will get much better air quality this time in Diwali than last year, because the meteorological conditions are favourable,” said Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner of climate and energy, Greenpeace foundation.

He elaborated that though there has not been much change in terms of comprehensive action against pollution, air quality and pollution levels are also dependent on climate in addition to external factors.

Dr Suresh Jain, head of Energy and Environment department, TERI University said, “This year, Diwali is arriving much earlier than last year, and the monsoon was also better. These factors will make the air quality better.”

He elaborated that the air quality at present is deteriorating due to external factors and the government should formulate a proper action plan to stop it.

“Polluted air is getting a passage to go out this year, which it did not get last year. It was smoggy and foggy all over, but this year it will not happen,” Jain said.

He further said that proper sunshine will play a big role in maintaining the air quality this time.

Meanwhile, officials of the Delhi Pollution Control Com- mittee (DPCC) said that this year the Capital received a better monsoon than last time, which would play a key role in maintaining better air quality.

A senior member of DPCC said, “The ban of firecrackers plays a very crucial role as well. It will make this Diwali better.”

However, the official cautioned that citizens should take necessary precautions to avoid ill-effects of air pollution.

In 2016, Diwali fireworks pushed pollution in Delhi to dangerous levels, the worst in three years, as it turned the air highly toxic due to a deadly cocktail of harmful repairable pollutants and gases, engulfing the city with a cover of thick smog triggering health alarms.

Various monitoring agencies, including DPCC, Central Pollution Control Board, Punebased SAFAR and Centre for Science and Environment, were unanimous about the severity of the air quality in the city.