Delhi’s AQI dropped again for the fifth consecutive day as the city gears up for Diwali. The air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category, with Ghaziabad recording the worst levels at 306. As the festive season approaches, experts warn of rising pollution levels and serious health risks. We have listed five easy ways you can combat air pollution in Delhi during Diwali.
AQI Levels Across Delhi And NCR Turn Poor
The city is preparing for grand Diwali celebrations, but pollution levels continue to worsen. As per a report by ABP Live, the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 230 near Akshardham, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Areas near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Barapullah Bridge also reported worsening conditions, with an AQI of 252.
Neighbouring NCR cities are no better. On Friday, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 306, falling under the ‘very poor’ category. Noida’s AQI stood at 278, and Gurugram’s at 266, while Faridabad remained comparatively better with 105, in the ‘moderate’ range.
Also Read: Delhi Might Turn To Cloud Seeding To Counter Post-Diwali Pollution; Here’s All You Need To Know
5 Ways To Reduce Air Pollution During Diwali
Air pollution usually rises during Diwali and the onset of winter, leading to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, coughing, and even higher blood pressure. Here are five effective ways to keep the air cleaner this festive season:
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Avoid firecrackers: Yes, we know they’re fun, and we are not here to stop you. But instead of bursting standard firecrackers, you can simply opt for ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ crackers that are less polluting but equally fun.
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Invest in indoor air-purifying plants: There are several indoor plants with air-purifying qualities. You can invest in them and place them at designated spots in your rooms. Some of them include the snake plant, peace lily, and spider plant. These plants help filter the air and remove pollutants while increasing oxygen levels. You can also opt for air purifiers if you can’t maintain plants.
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Use public transportation: Diwali means endless shopping errands and visits to relatives, but it also results in increased traffic and air pollution. To help reduce that, we suggest you either use public transport like the metro or opt for carpooling to reduce vehicle emissions in the city.
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Alternative decorative lights: Instead of using electric lights to decorate your home, use LED lights to reduce energy consumption. Plus, instead of using too many candles outside your homes, buy traditional earthen diyas. Diyas are not just more traditional for Diwali but are also less harmful to the environment.
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Sustainable decoration: Opt for eco-friendly decorative items like flowers, leaves, and plants to decorate your home this Diwali. Avoid plastic or artificial colours for rangoli. Use natural, organic colours instead to help keep the indoor air in your home pure.
Apart from these tips, make sure to maintain a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, and herbal teas!
Also Read: Think You Can Solve Delhi’s Air Pollution Issue? You Can Win ₹50 Lakh In The Clean-Air Challenge!
Air pollution is definitely rising across Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali. But these small steps can help make a difference. Do you follow any eco-friendly Diwali traditions at home?
Cover Image Courtesy: @Galactsx/ X and Canva Pro/ Nisha Dutta
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