Air pollution has once again become a major concern in India following Diwali celebrations, with attention turning towards the national capital and several other cities across the country. The use of firecrackers, increasing vehicle emissions, construction activities and changing weather conditions can contribute to poor air quality during the transition into winter.
Delhi and its neighbouring cities, including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad, are particularly vulnerable to pollution because of their dense population, heavy traffic and industrial activities. The post-Diwali period also raises concerns about the combined impact of firecracker emissions and other everyday pollution sources.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an important measure used to understand how polluted the air is and what health risks it may create. However, AQI levels can change throughout the day depending on weather conditions, wind speed, temperature and local emissions.
Delhi-NCR Pollution: Why the Situation Needs Attention
Delhi has been one of India’s most pollution-affected urban regions during the winter months. The situation becomes more challenging when colder temperatures and slower winds prevent pollutants from spreading easily.
Gurgaon, officially known as Gurugram, also faces significant pollution challenges. Traffic congestion, construction dust, industrial emissions and pollution travelling across NCR contribute to its air-quality problems.
Noida and Ghaziabad are other important areas to watch. Both cities experience pollution from road traffic, construction activities and nearby industrial zones. Faridabad also faces similar challenges because of its industrial and transport activities.
The major Delhi-NCR cities to monitor include:
- Delhi
- Gurugram (Gurgaon)
- Noida
- Ghaziabad
- Faridabad
- Greater Noida
These cities share several pollution sources, meaning air-quality conditions can sometimes worsen across multiple parts of the region at the same time.
Pollution Concerns Beyond Delhi-NCR
Air pollution is not limited to the national capital. Several cities in northern and eastern India also experience poor air quality, particularly during the winter season.
Lucknow: Traffic emissions, road dust, construction work and changing weather conditions contribute to seasonal pollution concerns in Uttar Pradesh’s capital.
Kanpur: Industrial activity, road dust and vehicle emissions are among the factors affecting the city’s air quality.
Patna: The city can experience pollution from traffic, construction, dust and other local emission sources, particularly during unfavourable weather conditions.
Jaipur: Vehicle emissions, construction activities and dust can affect air quality in Rajasthan’s capital.
Varanasi: Traffic, road dust, construction and other urban activities contribute to pollution concerns.
Kolkata: Vehicle emissions, industrial activity and seasonal weather conditions can influence air quality in the city.
These cities should also be monitored through official AQI updates rather than relying on assumptions or a single day’s pollution figures.
Why Does Air Pollution Increase After Diwali?
Firecrackers release particulate matter and gases into the atmosphere. Fine particles, particularly PM2.5, are a major concern because they can enter deep into the lungs and may even reach the bloodstream.
However, firecrackers are not the only reason behind India’s winter pollution problem.
Other important contributors include:
- Vehicle emissions: Cars, buses, trucks and two-wheelers release pollutants into the atmosphere.
- Construction dust: Building projects, road repairs and uncovered construction material increase dust pollution.
- Industrial emissions: Factories and industrial units can release harmful pollutants.
- Waste burning: Open burning of garbage and other materials adds smoke and particulate matter.
- Weather conditions: Low wind speed and temperature inversion can trap pollutants closer to the ground.
In northern India, stubble burning can also contribute to seasonal pollution episodes, although its impact varies according to weather conditions and the timing and location of fires.
How Does Poor AQI Affect Health?
Poor air quality can affect people of all age groups, but children, older adults, pregnant women and people with existing respiratory or heart conditions may face greater risks.
Exposure to polluted air can cause coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, eye irritation and worsening asthma symptoms.
Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Health experts generally advise people to reduce prolonged outdoor activity when pollution levels are high, particularly during periods of severe air pollution.
How Can People Protect Themselves?
People living in pollution-affected cities should follow official air-quality advisories and take precautions.
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor exercise when AQI levels are high.
- Keep windows closed during periods of heavy pollution.
- Consider a well-fitting N95 mask when outdoor exposure cannot be avoided.
- Children and older adults should take extra precautions.
- Use air purifiers indoors where possible.
- Follow updates from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and local authorities.
Where to Check Live AQI in Indian Cities
Residents can check the latest air-quality readings through the Central Pollution Control Board’s official monitoring platform and the SAMEER air-quality application.
Official website: https://cpcb.nic.in/
The AQI readings should be checked for individual monitoring stations because pollution levels can differ significantly between neighbourhoods within the same city.
As winter progresses, monitoring air quality will remain important for residents across Delhi-NCR and other pollution-prone urban centres. Reducing emissions, controlling dust and improving pollution management will be essential to address India’s recurring air-quality challenges.
