Delhi Air Quality Index Hits 350 After Diwali Fireworks
Supreme Court restrictions on conventional crackers failed to stop severe pollution levels as smoke from local celebrations and regional crop burning combined.
By Grace Almasi ·
The air quality index in New Delhi exceeded 350 on Monday morning, placing the Indian capital in the severe pollution category. This spike followed the Hindu festival of Diwali, when residents lit firecrackers on Sunday evening despite ongoing court orders.
The smoke from the celebrations released fine particulate matter into an atmosphere already burdened by seasonal factors. Visibility dropped across the city as a gray haze covered streets and high-rise buildings. Monitoring stations recorded these high levels throughout the capital on Monday.
In October, India's Supreme Court issued an order to limit Diwali-related pollution. The ruling restricted conventional firecrackers and permitted only approved green firecrackers under specific conditions. These approved items were allowed for three-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday. While green firecrackers emit fewer pollutants, they still release particulate matter and other substances.
Residents reported physical symptoms from the degraded air quality. Isyad, a resident of New Delhi who uses one name, said the smog caused throat irritation and itchy eyes. The metropolitan region is home to more than 30 million people and regularly ranks among the most polluted areas in the world during winter.
The pollution crisis is exacerbated by smoke from crop-residue fires in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. Farmers burn leftover rice stalks after harvest to clear fields for the next planting season. This smoke drifts toward New Delhi, mixing with emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction sites.
Environmental conditions in late October and November worsen the situation. Cooler temperatures, low wind speeds, and stagnant air prevent pollutants from dispersing. The resulting haze can persist over the capital and surrounding areas for several days.
Local authorities have implemented measures to curb pollution, including limits on construction activity and restrictions on diesel generators. Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, described the government's response as temporary. She noted that many interventions occur only when the government faces pressure to act.
