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.

Delhi's post-Diwali air quality improved due to favourable weather, despite increased stubble burning and local emissions.

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.

Environmental threats are widespread, affecting essential resources and human wellbeing globally. The quality of air that citizens of these cities breathe is of poor quality and is constantly deteriorating.

The month is on its way to becoming the warmest October experienced by Delhi at least since 2011, from when India Meteorological Department (IMD) data on average maximum and minimum temperatures are available.   

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.

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply, with the Air Quality Index reaching 385, leading authorities to impose Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP II).

Nehru Nagar, Sonia Vihar, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, ITO and Patparganj are among the emerging pollution hotspots in the city, exhibiting high PM2.5 concentrations.

The project is run by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and functions under the Union ministry of earth sciences.

City’s average AQI lowest in years in first half of October

Environment analysts say fire burning has just begun, with peak stubble burning expected in late October through early November.