NEW DELHI -On Monday morning, the repercussions of Diwali celebrations became evident as New Delhi, the Indian capital, once again claimed the undesirable top spot among the world's most polluted cities. The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi soared to a hazardous level of 420, according to IQAir, a Swiss environmental group. Notably, this alarming condition was exacerbated by the lingering effects of festive firecrackers.

Surprisingly, two more Indian cities, Kolkata in the east and Mumbai in the west, joined New Delhi in the global top 10 for pollution. Kolkata secured the fourth position with an AQI of 196, while Mumbai ranked eighth with a recorded AQI of 163. The severity of pollution is measured on a scale where an AQI level of 400-500 is deemed hazardous, impacting both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The consequences of the Diwali celebrations were manifest in a thick layer of smog enveloping New Delhi from Sunday night onwards. The city's AQI skyrocketed to an alarming 680 shortly after midnight, signifying a hazardous atmosphere. Despite annual bans on firecrackers, enforcement remains a challenge for authorities.

Air quality degradation is an annual predicament for India, especially preceding winter when cold air traps pollutants from various sources such as vehicles, industrial emissions, construction dust, and the burning of agricultural waste. The adverse effects of this seasonal phenomenon are felt not only by individuals with respiratory issues but also by the general population.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, New Delhi's authorities initially considered vehicle use restrictions, but this decision was postponed after a brief spell of rain on Friday provided temporary relief from a week-long exposure to toxic air. The struggle to mitigate the impact of pollution remains a persistent challenge for authorities, requiring a concerted effort to address the sources of contamination and enforce preventive measures effectively.