During Diwali celebrations, despite an official ban in place, large numbers of Delhi residents set off firecrackers throughout the night, resulting in a significant spike in pollution levels that pushed the capital’s air quality close to the 'severe' category. This defiance led to a rapid accumulation of harmful particulate matter in the atmosphere, leaving several areas blanketed in thick smog by Friday morning. At 6 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a level of 359—categorized as 'very poor'—with some areas, including Burari, Jahangirpuri, and Anand Vihar, reaching readings just shy of 400, nearing the ‘severe’ mark.
The air quality degradation was particularly striking in neighborhoods across Delhi, such as RK Puram, Nehru Nagar, and Patparganj, where PM2.5 levels—microscopic particles that can deeply embed in lung tissue—soared to 900 micrograms per cubic meter at peak times, more than 15 times the permissible safety limit. Other densely populated areas like Dwarka and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium registered PM2.5 levels of around 500 micrograms, exposing residents to dangerously high concentrations. The effects of this pollution were felt even beyond Delhi, with neighboring regions like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram also registering AQIs in the 'poor' to 'very poor' categories.
The elevated pollution levels reflect a trend that worsens every winter as a result of several contributing factors. In addition to firecrackers, vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and seasonal stubble burning from nearby states all combine to create a perfect storm of pollutants. Cooler temperatures and calm atmospheric conditions trap these pollutants closer to the ground, preventing them from dispersing and leading to prolonged periods of poor air quality. The onset of winter typically brings an increase in respiratory complaints, with children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions most vulnerable to the hazardous air.
This year, in a bid to counteract the annual Diwali pollution spike, the Delhi government announced a blanket ban on firecrackers in mid-October, deploying 377 teams to enforce it. Authorities enlisted the help of resident welfare associations and market organizations to promote awareness about the dangers of firecracker pollution, while police teams patrolled the streets with orders to take legal action against violators. However, the efforts saw limited success as celebratory firecracker usage persisted throughout Diwali night. Authorities have warned that violators may face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disregarding the ban.
Delhi’s air quality on Diwali has become a bellwether of the city’s escalating pollution crisis. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that Diwali pollution levels have fluctuated over the years, with AQI readings as low as 218 last year but reaching an alarming 431 in 2016. Each year, authorities strive to improve enforcement, but combining cultural practices, seasonal agricultural fires, and limited public cooperation poses ongoing challenges. While the AQI peaked at 328 by late afternoon on Diwali this year, early morning readings on the day after were far worse, reflecting the severe impact of nighttime celebrations.
The government’s current efforts to manage pollution levels have also included measures like imposing restrictions on high-polluting vehicles, shutting down certain industries, and investing in smog towers in highly affected zones. However, with thousands of residents still relying on private vehicles and insufficient public transport options, vehicle emissions remain a significant hurdle.Â
Environmentalists and healthcare professionals continue to emphasize the need for long-term solutions, such as shifting Diwali traditions away from firecracker use and increasing green cover within the city to help absorb pollution. The recent air quality crisis underscores the urgency for collective action and the need for stronger environmental policies to address the severe health risks posed by Delhi’s persistent air quality issues.
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