Assessment of the effect of the judicial prohibition on firecracker celebration at the Diwali festival on air quality in Delhi, India.

Abstract

Diwali (the festival of lights and crackers) is celebrated grandly, resulting in a significant drop in the city's air quality. To study the impact of the judicial prohibition in Delhi to improve air quality, a comprehensive and comparative analysis was conducted over two consecutive years, namely 2015-2016 (when no significant regulations on the sale or usage of firecrackers were imposed) and 2017-2018 (when radically different regulations were implemented). Data on PM10, PM2.5, NOx, and CO were analysed, and their trends and levels with various regulations in place were compared. In 2017, the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NOx, and CO were reduced by 50%, 50%, 71%, and 64%, respectively, compared to 2016. However, in 2018, there was an increase of 32% in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, as well as a 25% increase in CO concentrations, with the exception of NOx, which decreased to 25% on Diwali day. The data was also examined in conjunction with the entire timeline of the various court rulings and regulations imposed in Delhi. The questionnaire survey study revealed that, despite the legislation in place, ambient air quality continued to deteriorate, necessitating a deeper dive into the policy's structure and implementation to fine-tune its feasibility and applications. Air pollution-related health effects were recognized by 82% of participants. Despite this, only 13% of people were observed without a mask, and only 12% of people were aware of green crackers as of 2018. To combat this deteriorating situation, the national capital must enact radical and well-thought-out legislation and regulations governing firecrackers, as well as raise public awareness amongst its citizens.