Guard respiratory health in Diwali smog

A thick layer of smog blanketed the city on the morning after Diwali, turning the festive sparkle into a health nightmare for many residents. The air quality dipped to hazardous levels, with dense smoke from fire-crackers hanging low over streets and neighbourhoods well into the next day. An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 239 was recorded in the city on Wednesday.

By early morning, the air carried a pungent smell of burnt chemicals. Commuters found the visibility poor, while joggers and morning walkers stayed indoors to avoid exposure. Hospitals reported a noticeable increase in patients complaining of breathing difficulty, coughing, eye irritation and sore throats.

Doctors have cautioned that the sudden spike in pollution can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate heart and lung ailments, especially among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. "The fine particulate matter released by crackers goes deep into the lungs and can stay in the bloodstream for days, causing inflammation and long-term damage," said Dr Rajnish Kumar, Senior Medical Officer at Civil Hospital According to pollution monitoring agencies, levels of PM2.5 and PM10, the most harmful pollutants, were several times higher than the permissible limit. The combination of smoke, low wind speed and cool temperatures worsened the situation, trapping pollutants close to the ground.

Environmentalists have long warned that Diwali fireworks contribute significantly to seasonal pollution spikes. Despite repeated appeals for a "green Diwali", the burst of crackers continued late into the night in several areas. "We celebrate without realising the cost. The air we breathe becomes toxic," said a local activist Harkirat Kaur.

Civic authorities have begun post-Diwali clean-up operations, with streets littered with the remains of burnt fireworks. However, the impact on air quality is expected to persist for several days.

Experts have urged citizens to adopt more sustainable ways of celebrating festivals-- using eco-friendly lamps, LED lights, and noise-free, smoke-free celebrations, to protect both the environment and public health.