Delhi AQI tops 350 after Diwali
Firecracker smoke and seasonal crop fires pushed air quality into the severe category Monday, causing visibility drops and health complaints across the capital.
By Sakura Ellis ·
New Delhi was engulfed in a thick gray haze on Monday following Diwali celebrations.
Air quality index readings exceeded 350 in multiple areas of the capital on Monday morning. This level places the air in the severe category, which health officials link to increased respiratory risks. The high particle count reduced visibility so much that tall buildings along the streets became obscured by the dense fog.
Residents lit traditional firecrackers on Sunday evening despite government rules. The Supreme Court had restricted the use of conventional fireworks in October, allowing only specific green crackers for limited three-hour windows on the weekend. While these approved options emit less smoke, they still release particulate matter. This addition compounded the existing seasonal pollution caused by low wind speeds and cold temperatures.
The smog is not the only source of airborne particles in the region. Farmers in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana burn rice stalks after harvest to clear fields for the next season. That smoke drifts toward the capital and mixes with emissions from vehicles, factories, and construction sites. Isyad, a resident of New Delhi, reported physical symptoms from the poor air. He stated that the pollution caused irritation in his throat and itching in his eyes.
The Delhi metropolitan area is home to more than 30 million people. The city regularly ranks among the most polluted places on the planet during the winter months. Authorities have attempted to manage the crisis by limiting construction work and restricting the use of diesel generators. Courts have also stepped in to regulate firecracker usage. These measures have not stopped the annual return of severe smog in late October and November.
Shweta Narayan, a public health expert at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, criticized the current approach. She described the government's actions as temporary responses driven by pressure. She noted that interventions often occur only when officials are pushed to act. Environmental groups argue that lasting improvements require cleaner energy sources and stricter controls on vehicle emissions.
The combination of local fireworks and regional agricultural burning created the peak pollution levels recorded on Monday. The haze is expected to persist as long as the stagnant weather conditions remain in place.
