Delhi Air Quality Hits Hazardous Levels After Diwali Fireworks, Public Health at Risk

Post by : Saif Nasser

Air pollution in Delhi, India’s capital, has reached hazardous levels following the celebrations of Diwali, the festival of lights. The city recorded the highest pollution readings in the world on Tuesday, according to Swiss air quality group IQAir. The sharp rise in pollution comes as a result of firecracker use during Diwali, which is celebrated with lights, fireworks, and festivities across the country.

IQAir reported that Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached 442, making it the most polluted major city on the planet. This level is considered "hazardous" and is far above the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. Specifically, the concentration of PM 2.5 – tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 microns or smaller – was more than 59 times the WHO’s annual guideline. PM 2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, respiratory illness, and even stroke.

The pollution spike coincides with a relaxation of firecracker regulations by India’s Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court allowed the use of "green crackers" for three hours each on Sunday and Monday. Green crackers are designed to produce 30 to 50 percent less pollution than traditional fireworks. However, Reuters reporters observed that many people set off fireworks outside the allowed time, further worsening the air quality.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India also rated Delhi’s air quality as "very poor," recording an AQI of 350. For context, the CPCB considers an AQI of 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, and anything above 300 as severe. The board warned residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and use masks if necessary.

Experts say that Delhi’s pollution problem is not just caused by firecrackers. During winter, cold and heavy air traps dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke from farm fires in nearby regions. This leads to a thick smog that blankets the city and its surrounding districts. The phenomenon, known as "temperature inversion," makes it difficult for pollutants to disperse, leaving many of Delhi’s 20 million residents struggling to breathe.

The Indian government has often taken measures to address air pollution in the city. Authorities have closed schools, restricted vehicle movement, stopped construction work, and even advised offices to allow work-from-home arrangements when pollution reaches dangerous levels. Despite these steps, pollution spikes every winter, making it a recurring public health crisis.

Delhi’s pollution also affects neighboring regions. Pakistan’s Punjab province, which shares a border with India, has experienced similar air quality issues. Lahore, Punjab’s capital, recorded an AQI of 234 on Tuesday, making it the second most polluted city globally, according to IQAir. Sajid Bashir, a spokesperson for Punjab’s Environment Protection Agency, said, “Right now, the major issue is the air coming from Indian Punjab and other parts, which is affecting the air quality in various parts of Pakistani Punjab.”

In Pakistan, authorities have launched emergency plans to combat air pollution, including controlling smoke from farm fires, restricting polluting vehicles, and using anti-smog guns in cities with the worst air quality. The cross-border impact of smoke and dust highlights the regional nature of air pollution in South Asia, where industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning contribute to deteriorating air quality.

Health experts have warned that exposure to hazardous air quality, even for a short time, can trigger respiratory problems, eye irritation, coughing, and wheezing. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased mortality. Residents are being advised to use air purifiers indoors, avoid outdoor exercise, and wear protective masks when venturing outside. Children, elderly people, and those with heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Environmentalists have also criticized the partial relaxation of firecracker rules during Diwali. They argue that even green crackers contribute to pollution and that strict enforcement of regulations is necessary to prevent severe health impacts. Many citizens, however, continue to use traditional fireworks despite legal restrictions, prioritizing celebrations over safety concerns.

The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences has predicted that Delhi is unlikely to see immediate relief. Air quality in the coming days is expected to remain in the “very poor” to “poor” range, with AQI levels between 201 and 400. Meteorologists also note that the lack of wind and low temperatures during winter will trap pollutants, worsening the situation.

Public awareness campaigns are ongoing, encouraging people to limit firecracker use, car travel, and burning of waste. Social media and news outlets have also highlighted the risks of hazardous air quality, emphasizing precautionary measures for vulnerable populations. Despite these efforts, experts warn that comprehensive long-term policies addressing vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and agricultural burning are necessary to improve air quality in Delhi and the region.

In summary, Delhi’s air quality has reached hazardous levels after Diwali celebrations, with smoke from firecrackers contributing to extreme pollution. PM 2.5 levels are dangerously high, and residents face serious health risks. Authorities are monitoring the situation, advising protective measures, and emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to reduce air pollution. The issue highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and long-term solutions to protect public health and the environment in India and neighboring South Asian countries.