Delhi: Air pollution levels in Delhi have reached a critical stage, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 328 today. Despite the Delhi government imposing a firecracker ban during Diwali to reduce pollution, the BJP has criticized the move as anti-Hindu. Favorable wind conditions had brought AQI down below 300 from extremely poor levels last week. However, the rise in stubble burning in neighboring states and widespread firecracker use during Diwali celebrations have worsened the situation again.
In the coming days, the AQI is expected to exceed 400, reaching severe levels. Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur are already seeing pollution levels above 350. If this trend continues, the Delhi government plans to intensify restrictions and has launched campaigns to discourage firecracker use. Drone surveillance will soon be initiated in the 13 most polluted hotspots.
Meanwhile, the BJP claims that dust from Delhi’s broken roads and smoke from stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab are the main causes of the severe pollution in Delhi. They argue that the firecracker ban lacks scientific basis and accuse Delhi Minister Gopal Rai of implementing anti-Hindu measures, according to Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva.
Virender Sachdeva, who protested against the Delhi government’s handling of pollution by diving into the Yamuna, was admitted to the hospital for a skin rash and breathing difficulties shortly afterward. To control pollution, the Delhi government has issued a complete ban on the production, storage, and sale of all types of firecrackers, effective until January 1, 2025, due to worsening air quality in the capital.
