The Hindu Diwali light festival has had a negative impact on air quality in the Indian capital New Delhi. The particulate matter pollution on Monday and Tuesday was many times above the limit values of the World Health Organization (WHO). Many people celebrated the Diwali festival with fireworks on Monday, even though environmental council Gopal Rai had threatened with jail time. The air quality in the megametropolis is among the worst in the world.
For many Hindus, who make up the majority of the Indian population, Diwali is just as important as Christmas for Christians. For many, fireworks are part of it. Representatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist ruling party BJP, which sits in opposition in the capital, criticized the impending sanctions.
Farmers also contribute to bad air
Reasons for the poor air quality in Delhi, especially in the colder months of the year, are the Diwali fireworks and the fact that farmers in surrounding states are burning leftover crops to replant quickly and cheaply. There are also exhaust fumes from cars, industry, dust from construction sites and waste incineration.
Both Diwali fireworks and the burning of crop residues have long been banned – only they are hardly enforced. Even in the capital, many do not see air pollution as a major problem. Better off, people can afford air purifiers in their homes.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
