The toxic air has become an irrevocable phenomenon for anyone living in India, specifically in the national capital, marring the lifestyle of people. Pollutants that are released into the air, as opposed to land and water pollutants, are the most harmful. Air pollution or the introduction of unhealthy particles in the earth's atmosphere, having a detrimental impact on all living beings. Rising Air Pollution levels in our country, an inevitable yet alarming environmental menace has assumed gigantic significance in the current times. 

The leverage of the toxic air in the national capital is often borne by the festival of Diwali, where burning crackers is a prominent feat. Over the past five years, the pattern has been observed so that New Delhi is enveloped by a blanket of smog post Diwali festivities. This year, Diwali was celebrated on 27^thOctober and it was also recorded as the cleanest and quietest in the due course of 4 years. A two-hour window was provided between 8pm to 10pm for bursting of crackers, despite that, there were some breaches. Many Delhi residents burst crackers in spirit of the festival despite a ban on crackers, however, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded 316 (very Poor) at 8pm on Diwali and 368 at 4pm on Monday (28^thOctober), which is, believe it or not, lesser than previous years. Several cases were also registered for illegal purchases and bursting of crackers.

But there is no doubt that things are bound to go from bad to worse. On Tuesday, 29^thOctober, the city witnessed its first smog of the season. Two days post Diwali, the air was relatively similar to a gas chamber, with the quality deteriorating to ‘severe’.  Diwali is solely not to be blamed for this harsh smog. Farm fires from across the neighbouring states of Delhi such as Punjab and Haryana add up to the horrific air pollution. Farm fire count in Haryana and Punjab saw an upsurge from 1654 to 2577 cases in 24 hours after noticeable dip on Diwali. The North-western winds are also favourable for transport of these emissions however the wind speed is likely to be slow, which will be responsible for accumulating pollutants. Farm fires reportedly make up 29% of the share of Delhi’s PM 2.5. 

Air pollution has never been the easiest challenge for India. But strides are being made and one can hope for cleaner air. While bans on cracker, odd-even formula, farm fire restrictions come as some solutions working on full swing, one can only hope for these consistent efforts to bring solace. Engulfed under the clouds of pollution, the state of Delhi wishes to see bright sunrays beaming through the sky and fresher air to survive in.