Delhi Suffers Toxic Haze Amidst Controverted Diwali Celebrations

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:27:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Despite a push for environmentally-friendly celebrations, Diwali in Delhi has led to severe air pollution as residents ignore restrictions on firecrackers, resulting in dangerously high Air Quality Index levels.

Delhi faced a toxic haze and worsening air quality following Diwali celebrations, with residents defying court orders to limit firecracker use. The Air Quality Index reached alarming levels, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating environmental pollution in the capital, aggravated by factors like vehicular emissions and stubble burning.

India's capital Delhi woke up to a toxic haze as air quality worsened after the Hindu festival of Diwali, despite a court directive to use less-polluting crackers.

Residents defied the short-lived restrictions on firecrackers that were designed to minimize pollution during the festival. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 360, categorizing it as 'very poor' and far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended levels.

Compounding the issue, Delhi often suffers from poor air due to a mix of vehicular emissions, construction dust, and agricultural burning from nearby states. Critics argue that even the permissible 'green crackers,' deemed less harmful, still release toxic pollutants.

While Delhi officials have attempted to impose stricter measures to control pollution during the festival, many shops openly sold traditional firecrackers. The Supreme Court's recent ruling relaxed the ban on firecrackers, allowing for their use in limited time slots. Yet, enforcement remains a significant challenge as celebrations stretched well beyond the allotted timeframe.

With winter approaching, the city anticipates further deterioration in air quality due to lower wind speeds and increased smoke from the burning of stubble in neighboring agricultural areas. Inhabitants voiced frustration over the situation, noting a pervasive smog that not only reduced visibility but also made outdoor activities nearly impossible.

Experts are concerned that easing regulations regarding firecracker usage might stall the progress made in raising awareness about air quality and public health risks associated with pollution.