EVS

PROJECT
 Comparative analysis of
Delhi's AQI Pre and Post
Diwali

A project report by Ankit Lagwal~

Enrollment no.- 03514201723
 AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution refers to a reduction in air fall quality due to the presence of harmful
substances. It includes both visible pollutants like dust and invisible ones like gases.
Pollutants under three main scales:

~ Local: affecting a small, localized area.

~Regional: broader impacts over hundreds to thousands of kilometers.
~Global: involving widespread issues like ozone depletion and climate change.

Pollutants are split into primary (directly emitted) and secondary (formed through reactions
in the atmosphere). Examples of primary pollutants include particulate matter (PM), sulfur
dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO). Secondary pollutants like
ground-level ozone (O₃) arise from interactions between primary pollutants.

Understanding AQI, PM2.5, and PM10

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure indicating how polluted the air is and its potential
effects on health. AQI levels range from 0 to 500:
 Good (0-50): Safe for everyone.
 Moderate (51-100): Generally safe but may affect sensitive individuals.
 Unhealthy (101-200): Increased health risks for sensitive groups.
 Very Unhealthy (201-300): Health risks for the general population.
 Hazardous (301-500): Serious health risks for all.
PM2.5 and PM10 refer to particles smaller than 2.5 and 10 micrometers, respectively. PM2.5
is particularly harmful as it penetrates deep into the lungs, while PM10 can cause respiratory
issues by lodging in the upper airways.
 Factors Worsening Delhi's Air Quality During Diwali
The Diwali festival is marked by increased levels of air pollution. The primary contributors to
pollution include:
1. Firecrackers: Emissions from firecrackers significantly increase PM2.5 and PM10
levels.
2. Stubble Burning: Farmers burning crop residue release smoke that drifts to urban
areas.
3. Vehicle Emissions: Higher traffic volumes during festivals add to the pollution load.
Wind patterns also play a role; low wind speeds trap pollutants, worsening air quality over
days following Diwali.
AQI Analysis During Diwali (26 October - 5 November)
AQI levels vary significantly around Diwali. Below is an analysis of how air quality changes in
urban centers like Delhi:
 Pre-Diwali (26-29 October): Moderate to unhealthy AQI due to seasonal pollution
sources like vehicular emissions and early firecracker usage.
 Diwali Night (31 October): AQI can surge into the hazardous range due to heavy
firecracker use.
 Post-Diwali (1-5 November): Air quality remains poor due to lingering pollutants and
low wind conditions.
Sample AQI Data on 31 October:
 Pre-Diwali Average (12 PM – 6 PM): ~260 AQI
 Evening Peak (6 PM – 12 AM): ~550 AQI
 Post-Diwali Morning Average (12 AM – 8 AM): ~550 AQI
 Why Diwali?
During the Diwali festival, air pollution levels spike sharply due to widespread
firecracker use. Combined with stubble burning in nearby states, this results in a
severe drop in air quality. Studying the AQI, PM2.5, and PM10 levels during this
period sheds light on the combined effects of cultural practices, agricultural burning,
and urban activities on Delhi’s air quality.

Through this data analysis, policymakers and the public can work together on
effective strategies, such as stricter firecracker regulations, alternative farming
practices, and enhanced public awareness, to reduce pollution during this festive
season.
Now let’s see our statistics-

Data Analysis of Air Quality Before and After Diwali (26 October - 5 November)
During the Diwali period, the Air Quality Index (AQI) can fluctuate significantly due to factors
such as firecracker usage, weather patterns (wind, temperature, and humidity), and existing
pollution levels. In major Indian cities, particularly Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, AQI
levels tend to spike dramatically around Diwali, which usually falls between late October and
early November.
AQI Trends Around Diwali
Pre-Diwali (26 - 29 October 2024)
 In the days before Diwali, AQI levels in many cities range from moderate to poor,
influenced by:
o Seasonal crop burning, especially stubble burning in northern India,
o Increased emissions from vehicles,
o Early firecracker use.
 In cities like Delhi and Ludhiana, AQI often hovers between 150-200, categorized as
"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."
 Rural areas or smaller towns may experience relatively better air quality, with AQI
levels around 50-100 (moderate). However, localized spikes can occur due to nearby
burning or vehicular pollution.
Post-Diwali (31 October - 5 November 2024)
 AQI levels typically surge after Diwali night, especially in cities with heavy firecracker
use. Following Diwali festivities, AQI can rise to hazardous levels, often classified in
the "Severe" category.
o In cities like Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Noida, AQI levels commonly
range between 300 and 600 due to extensive firecracker usage, posing
serious risks to public health. People with respiratory or cardiac conditions
are strongly advised to remain indoors.
o Other major cities, such as Mumbai and Kolkata, may see moderate AQI
increases, with levels between 200 and 400 due to a combination of
firecrackers, vehicle emissions, and seasonal factors.
  AQI remains high for several days post-Diwali due to:
o Additional firecracker burning, combined with emissions from transportation
and industrial activities.
o Stable weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground,
particularly during low wind speeds and temperature inversions, which are
common in northern India during autumn.
In cities across North India, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, PM2.5 levels tend to
rise significantly post-Diwali due to:
 Accumulated dust,
 Firecracker emissions,
 Residual smoke from stubble burning in agricultural regions.
This pattern underscores the cumulative impact of seasonal, cultural, and industrial factors
on air quality during and after Diwali.

Pre-Diwali Average (12 PM – 6 PM, Oct 31): ~260 AQI

 Diwali Evening Average (6 PM – 12 AM): ~550 AQI
 Post-Diwali Early Morning Average (12 AM – 8 AM, Nov 1): ~550
AQI
 Post-Diwali Day Average (11 AM – 6 PM, Nov 1): ~155 AQI
 The air quality levels in Delhi reached alarming heights during
Diwali Peak hours. 31st October 2024, Diwali day recorded 167 at
8:00 Pm the last lowest after this, Air Quality levels just kept
rising. Firecrackers started bursting around and Air quality levels
peaked. Here are the top locations data midnight:
 1. Hauz Khas: 481
 2. Paschim Vihar: 658
 3. Karkarduma: 806 (highest recorded)
 4. Saket: 528
 5. Shalimar Bagh: 551
 6. Lajpat Nagar: 593
The NCR air pollution trends remain quite similar in conditions. Moreover, air
pollution sources are almost the same impacting the air quality of Delhi NCR.
Here see the 31st October 2024
Midnight Levels:

 Sonepat: 567
 Faridabad: 407
 Noida sector 124: 743
 Gurgaon sector 44: 439
 Gurgaon sector 108: 407
 Vaishali: 911 (highest in NCR)
 IMT Manesar: 391
 Noida sector 10: 673
 Gurgaons sector 51: 456
 Sohna: 372
 Ghaziabad: 893
~As per the above graph, AQI levels in different NCR locations fluctuated as on
31st October 2024, 8:00 PM it was lowest still from unhealthy to severe
categories. Then started becoming worse and midnight broke the records as
Vaishali, a known place, recorded the highest NCR of 911 levels.
How to fix it?

Reducing air pollution is essential for better health, addressing climate change, and
enhancing quality of life. Here are some effective methods that individuals, businesses, and
governments can implement to cut down on air pollution:
1. Switch to Renewable Energy Sources
o Use solar, wind, and hydropower: These sources generate minimal air
pollution compared to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
o Promote clean energy innovation: Encourage the development of advanced
clean energy technologies, such as nuclear fusion, geothermal, and tidal
energy.
2. Support Public Transportation & Electric Vehicles (EVs)
o Enhance public transit: Investing in eco-friendly buses, trains, and subways
can help decrease private car usage.
o Promote electric vehicle adoption: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions,
helping to lower transportation-related pollution. Providing tax breaks or
subsidies can encourage more people to choose EVs.
3. Control Industrial Emissions
o Enforce stricter emission regulations: Install technologies like scrubbers,
filters, and catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from factories
and power plants.
o Adopt cleaner manufacturing practices: Encourage industries to use low-
emission technologies, alternative materials, and sustainable production
methods in sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals.
4. Reduce Waste and Promote Recycling
o Limit waste incineration: Incineration releases harmful pollutants; recycling
and composting can reduce emissions by diverting waste from incinerators.
o Encourage zero-waste practices: Promote reduction, reuse, and recycling
among consumers and businesses to minimize landfill waste and reduce air
pollution from waste decomposition.
5. Incorporate Urban Planning and Green Spaces
o Increase green spaces and urban forests: Trees and plants help purify the air
by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen.
 o Encourage sustainable urban design: Build walkable cities with easy access to
public transit, bike lanes, and parks to reduce car dependence.
6. Reduce Agricultural Emissions
o Support sustainable farming practices: Organic farming, reduced chemical
use, and regenerative agriculture can lower methane and other pollutants
from farming.
o Reduce livestock emissions: Meat production, especially from cattle,
generates significant methane. Shifting to plant-based diets and more
sustainable livestock practices can help reduce this pollution.
7. Strengthen Policies and Regulations
o Set stricter air quality standards: Governments can limit the amount of
pollutants released by industries and cities, enforcing compliance.
o Implement carbon pricing and taxes: Charging for carbon emissions can
motivate businesses to adopt cleaner energy solutions.
o Collaborate internationally: Air pollution is a global problem. Cooperation
with other nations can lead to shared solutions and technology for cleaner air.
8. Raise Public Awareness and Promote Education
o Increase awareness about air pollution risks: Educate the public on health
impacts and promote actions like reducing car use, saving energy, and living
greener.
o Advocate for policies supporting clean air: Support regulations that reduce
emissions from transportation, agriculture, and industry to protect public
health and the environment.
These actions, when combined, can make a significant difference in reducing air pollution
and building a healthier, more sustainable future.