New Delhi, October 18, 2024 – As Diwali approaches, Delhi is once again grappling with severe pollution, presenting a grim scene with frothy foam floating on the Yamuna River and a thick smog blanket covering large parts of the city. On Friday, the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to alarming levels, reaching ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories in several areas.
Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River. #Yamuna https://t.co/06953MGrOm pic.twitter.com/0MXgZcdLIX
— Shehla J (@Shehl) October 18, 2024
In some of the most affected regions, the AQI crossed into the danger zone. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 339, marked as ‘very poor,’ while Dwarka’s Sector-8 registered a concerning AQI of 325. Even the iconic India Gate wasn’t spared, with the AQI recorded at 270, categorized as ‘poor.’ According to experts, prolonged exposure to such air quality could lead to respiratory issues and discomfort for many residents.
Toxic Foam in Yamuna: An Ongoing Concern
Alongside air pollution, toxic foam continues to plague the Yamuna River, turning its surface into a frothy mass. The foam, caused by a lethal mix of untreated sewage and industrial waste, poses serious health risks to those who come into contact with it, including those performing religious rituals on the riverbanks.
Government Response: Water Sprinkling, Anti-Smog Guns Deployed
In a bid to tackle the growing pollution crisis, the Delhi government has initiated several emergency measures. Water tankers from the Public Works Department (PWD) have been deployed to sprinkle water across the city to reduce dust pollution, in accordance with the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1). Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, held a high-level meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai, leading to a coordinated effort involving 99 teams to inspect dust control at construction sites.
Additional anti-smog guns—devices designed to disperse air pollutants—have also been introduced. A total of 200 anti-smog guns from the PWD, alongside 80 from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), have been stationed at key pollution hotspots. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) are also participating in the effort to tackle rising particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10, which can exacerbate respiratory ailments.
Opposition Criticizes Government’s Pollution Management
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the moment to criticize the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for what it describes as ineffective pollution control measures. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari lashed out at the government, accusing AAP of playing a blame game rather than proactively addressing the pollution issue. “This government wakes up when the problem is already out of control. Delhi’s pollution problems could be solved if they acted earlier, not at the last minute before elections,” Tiwari said.
Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP’s national spokesperson, took a more pointed stance, calling Delhi “a poisonous gas chamber.” Poonawalla added, “While AAP bans firecrackers for Diwali and claims to tackle pollution, it has done little to address stubble burning in Punjab or implement solutions like the bio-decomposer.”
Residents Urged to Take Precautions
As pollution levels show no sign of abating, Delhi’s residents have been urged to adopt eco-friendly practices this Diwali. Chief Minister Atishi emphasized the importance of carpooling, avoiding the use of firecrackers, and reporting pollution incidents through the Green Delhi app. With the festival season around the corner, the focus remains on mitigating both air and water pollution in the nation’s capital.
Despite the efforts in place, the city’s pollution crisis presents a stark reminder of the deep-rooted environmental challenges that continue to plague the region each year. As experts warn of worsening conditions, the question remains whether the measures will protect Delhi from further environmental degradation.
