Delhi records worst post-Diwali air quality in 4 years; govt blames stubble burning in Punjab
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi recorded its worst post-Diwali air quality in the last four years on Tuesday, with pollution levels spiking sharply the previous night as PM2.5 concentrations peaked at 675, while the BJP government attributed it to stubble burning in the AAP-ruled Punjab rather than firecrackers.
Delhi found itself enveloped in a thick grey haze and its air quality entered the "red zone" a day after Diwali, which saw cracker-bursting well beyond the two-hour limit (8 pm to 10 pm) set by the Supreme Court.
The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Diwali (Monday), reported at 4 pm, was in the "very poor" category at 345, compared to 330 in 2024, 218 in 2023, 312 in 2022 and 382 in 2021, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Hourly readings showed sustained high pollution throughout the night and into Tuesday morning, with the AQI at 344 at 10 pm, rising slightly to 349 at midnight and remaining above 350 from 7 am to 12 noon on Tuesday, reflecting the worst PM2.5 levels in the last four years.
The PM2.5 levels peaked at 675 micrograms per cubic metre late on Monday night.
The concentration of PM2.5 -- fine particles that easily penetrate the respiratory system and pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions -- also exceeded the safe limits.
However, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said despite the lifting of the ban on green firecrackers this year, Delhi's AQI rose only marginally, from 345 before Diwali to 356 the next morning, an increase of "just 11 points".
Sirsa said every religion has the right to celebrate its festivals, indicating that bursting crackers is an indispensable way of celebrating Diwali.
On its part, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) slammed the BJP government in the capital, alleging that it has failed to conduct artificial rain and take measures to ensure the implementation of the apex court's order to allow the bursting of firecrackers.
Police have registered more than 100 cases across Delhi over alleged violations of the court's guidelines on bursting firecrackers and over 50 cases on charges of illegal sale during Diwali celebrations, officials said.
The top court had allowed the bursting of green firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on the festival day, but the celebrations continued well past the allotted time.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, however, said the "radiance and brilliance" of Diwali this year were "unique" and asserted that her government is serious about tackling pollution and taking effective measures to curb it.
She thanked the Supreme Court for allowing the "limited use" of green firecrackers, balancing tradition with environmental concerns.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said those who burst firecrackers beyond 10 pm on Diwali behaved "irresponsibly".
The minister, however, emphasised that bursting firecrackers was not the sole reason behind the spike in pollution levels in the capital.
Addressing a press conference here, Sirsa blamed the AAP government in Punjab for the toxic haze over Delhi, alleging that the state forced farmers to burn a record amount of paddy stubble on Diwali night.
He accused the AAP of indulging in politics over "religion".
Sirsa claimed that while AAP leaders "condemned the Delhi chief minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sanatan Dharma followers over festival celebrations", the real reason behind the worsening air quality in Delhi was large-scale stubble burning in Punjab.
AAP's Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj sought to know from the Delhi government why did it not take steps to induce artificial rain to bring the situation under control.
He also alleged that banned firecrackers were burst on Diwali and questioned if the Delhi government was "hand in glove" with the firecracker-manufacturing lobby.
The AAP leader also claimed that no AQI data was available on Diwali night and held the BJP responsible for it.
The Congress said the worsening AQI reflected years of administrative neglect and called for sustained efforts to tackle pollution.
Firecracker sales saw a sharp rise this Diwali, with traders reporting brisk business and the overall sales estimated at around Rs 500 crore. The Sadar Bazar Association reported nearly 40-per cent higher sales than last year.
However, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) recorded fewer emergency calls than last year, though hospitals still had to deal with a large number of burn cases.
More than 250 people suffered burn injuries in Delhi on Diwali, with hospitals across the city reporting a surge in the number of cases, mostly caused by firecrackers. The Safdarjung Hospital, which has the country's largest burn unit, recorded the highest number of such cases at 129.
The DFS received 269 emergency calls on Diwali night, marking a nearly-15-per cent decline from last year's figure of 318, the highest in the last 13 years.
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Delhi CM inaugurates Atal Canteens, offering Rs 5 meals
New Delhi (PTI): The Atal Canteens, inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will offer nutritious meals for just Rs 5.
The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to workers, the poor, and other needy residents of the national capital. The government has allocated Rs 104.24 crore for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.
Each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals per day, benefiting over 1,00,000 people daily across Delhi, said an official statement.
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near 'Apna Bazaar' in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar.
Gupta, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance, and human sensitivity.
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He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile.
By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.
He added that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi centred on service, good governance, and welfare of the poor, the initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Gupta also described the scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
Recalling the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said his leadership and commitment to good governance continue to inspire public service initiatives across the country.
She said that 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 will become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.
The chief minister said a symbolic contribution of Rs 5 has been fixed to preserve the self-respect of beneficiaries, encourage responsible consumption, and prevent food wastage.
Each beneficiary is provided freshly cooked meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 per plate, while the Delhi government bears Rs 25 per meal.
Under this scheme, 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi. Each canteen will serve meals twice a day.
A standardised menu has been prepared for all canteens, including nutritious items such as dal-rice, roti, and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants.
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To ensure transparency and smooth operations, digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits have been put in place. In addition, the quality of food and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and high-quality meals for citizens.
Each meal weighs approximately 600 grams, providing an average of 700-800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein, in line with balanced and nutritious dietary norms.
The lunch timings are from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner is from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Approximately 700 people will gain employment under this scheme.
For the operation of Atal Canteens, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by DUSIB through a transparent tendering process.
