The Choking Problem of Smog that is Not Making Indians Smug

As a Hindu festival approaches, more and more citizens in New Delhi are installing air purifying systems in their houses.

Diwali, which means "row of clay lamps", is the biggest and most important holiday in India. Its significance to Hindu culture is similar to the Christmas of Christians. True to its name, it is a festival of light, often celebrated with firecrackers.

However, due to the excessive usage of firecrackers, Diwali has been creating a persistent problem yearly -- massive amounts of smog in many cities in India.

The Smog is Not Something to be Proud Of

During last year's Diwali, New Delhi got choked by the air quality that is 40 times above the safe level of air quality index. According to the World Health Organization, the acceptable level is only 25.

Rana, a 42-year old auto-rickshaw driver, told CNN last year that he was complaining about persistent chest pain, cough, and trouble breathing. He assumed that it was due to pollution since the nature of his work exposed him to the city's toxic air.

This year was no better. On Thursday, it peaked at a "very unhealthy" 256 level.

Because of this, citizens have no choice but to purchase air purifiers. According to Mohan Sharma, a manager at an appliances store, his store could sell around 100 purifiers during Diwali seasons and at least 25-40 units during a normal season. Nobody even bought these five years ago, he also added.

Students all over the country were protesting against firecracker usage. Among the rally paraphernalia they carry are face masks, respiratory tubes, and held signs that say "Burn your ego, not crackers" and "Let's celebrate a pollution-free Diwali".

Controlling Smog

According to News18, which is associated with CNN, New Delhi authorities rejected multiple permit applications from pyrotechnic vendors who are selling gunpowder-based firecrackers. Only 57 vendors were given permits to operate and they must sell eco-friendly versions only, said Subhashish Chaudhary, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Licensing Unit.

The operating permit will within 10 to 15 days, in contrast to permanent permits that expire after five years. So far, there are only 14 sellers who have permanent permits, and like the temporary permit holders, they are required to sell "green firecrackers".

The northern state of Utar Pradesh set a two-hour window when people could set off firecrackers.

It's just a small part of the problem...

Smog might be the worst during Diwali, it is just a small portion of the problem.

According to Greenpeace and Airvisual, the city of New Delhi has an average air quality index of 135.8 in 2018 alone. This made the city one of the worst air in the world.

Firecrackers might be highly pollutant, but people rarely use it outside of the festival. The emission coming from cars is a bigger issue.

To combat this, a road measure will be implemented in New Delhi next month: odd-numbered vehicles can only be allowed on the road during odd dates, and vice versa for even-numbered ones.

Crop burning to clear the field for the next season of planting was also blamed for intensifying pollution. It is a common practice in neighboring states like Haryana and Punjab. A similar tactic had caused the massive fire in Indonesia and the Amazon Forest in Brazil.