Thousands ignored the ban on firecrackers, filling the night air with a dense haze of toxic smoke that pushed pollution to hazardous levels

Delhi’s air quality plummets to ‘very poor’ levels post-Diwali due to increased firecracker usage, stubble burning, and local emissions. Favorable weather conditions, including high wind speeds and above-normal temperatures, prevent it from reaching ‘severe’ levels.

Every year during Diwali a defiance of the Delhi government’s blanket firecracker ban deteriorates the air quality in the capital.

Despite a firecracker ban in Delhi, PM2.5 pollution levels surged dramatically on Diwali night, reaching hazardous concentrations in several parts of the city.

Despite a firecracker ban in Delhi, PM2.5 pollution levels surged dramatically on Diwali night, reaching hazardous concentrations in several parts of the city.

Every year, Delhi celebrates the festival of Diwali by lighting fireworks, sending the Indian capital's already thick smog to toxic levels. The government is under pressure to enact regulations to curb air pollution.