Delhi AQI Debate: Minister Questions Firecracker Impact Post-Diwali

Following Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated significantly, prompting immediate accusations directed at firecracker usage. However, Delhi Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa has challenged this narrative by releasing comparative data. He pointed out that in 2020, when firecrackers were allowed, the PM 2.5 levels saw a modest increase of 21 points after Diwali. Sirsa contrasted this with a much larger 80-point surge reported in 2021. For the current year, he noted that despite a ban on conventional firecrackers and the allowance of only green alternatives based on Supreme Court directives, the AQI climbed from 328 to 360 – an 32-point rise. He further referenced CPCB’s Sameer App data, indicating a 11-point increase (from 345 to 356) when green crackers were permitted. “Will you hold Diwali responsible for this? Will you hold the faith of all the Sanatanas and Hindus in Delhi accountable?” Sirsa posed, suggesting that attributing Delhi’s pollution solely to Diwali celebrations is unfair and politically motivated. He accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of engaging in appeasement politics, deliberately targeting Hindu festivals to secure votes. Sirsa also raised concerns about stubble burning in Punjab, alleging that the AAP-led government is pressuring farmers to burn crop residue, which contributes to Delhi’s severe air pollution. Current CPCB reports place Delhi’s overall AQI at 359, with several localities, including Bawana and Wazirpur, experiencing ‘Severe’ air quality levels.