South asia faces hazardous air quality surge before Diwali

India’s Supreme Court has permitted the use of only low-emission fireworks, limiting their use to three hours on Saturday and Sunday, in an effort to mitigate further deterioration of air quality. Diwali is scheduled for November 8th this year.

Seasonal factors exacerbate the problem, with cold, dense air trapping pollutants from vehicles, construction, and crop residue burning. This combination results in some of the world’s highest pollution levels, posing significant respiratory health risks to residents.

Lahore, Pakistan, experienced the poorest air quality globally on Tuesday, as smog settled over the region. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 447, according to IQAir, a Swiss organization that monitors air quality. An AQI reading below 50 is considered good.

Lahore’s PM2.5 concentration was 60 times greater than the World Health Organization’s recommended annual exposure limit. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, contributing to serious health problems. Authorities attribute the poor air quality to falling temperatures and reduced wind speeds.

Delhi has implemented restrictions to address the pollution crisis. These measures, effective Monday, include limitations on polluting vehicles, construction work, and the use of coal and firewood in restaurants, alongside increased public transportation options.

Delhi’s AQI was 215, while India’s Central Pollution Control Board classified the city’s air quality as