A shocking post-festivity air alert
The morning after Diwali celebrations, Delhi awoke under a thick, visible haze that marked the onset of its annual “pollution season”. Readings of the air quality index (AQI) surged into the “severe” and even “hazardous” categories in many parts of the capital.
For instance, one monitoring station recorded PM2.5 levels more than 59 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization.
Fireworks and flouting the rules
Despite calls to use only certified “green crackers” and restricted hours for bursting fireworks, many residents set off large displays late into the night. The relaxed rules this year — after a previous ban — appear to have contributed to the spike in pollutants.
Environmentalists point out that even “green crackers” only reduce emissions by around 30 % compared to conventional firecrackers — making them a partial solution at best.
The seasonal smog trap: more than fireworks
The Diwali firework surge is only one component. In colder weather, weaker wind and thermal inversion trap emissions close to the ground. Additionally, vehicles, construction dust and crop-residue burning in nearby states keep feeding the air with fine particles.
This combination means that once the fireworks end, the pollution cloud lingers and worsens — setting the stage for months of hazy air.
Health risks escalate
Air in many areas of Delhi has reached levels hazardous to health, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions. AQI values above 300-400 and PM2.5 levels hundreds of micrograms per cubic metre are being reported.
With such levels, experts warn of increased hospitalisations, aggravated asthma, and long-term cardiovascular and neurological impacts.
Government response & citizen guidance
Authorities in Delhi moved to enforce stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – activating Stage 2 controls ahead of Diwali, which include restrictions on construction activity and generator use.
Residents are being advised to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, particularly during morning hours when the haze is thickest.
- Use air purifiers or masks (N95 or equivalent) if venturing outside.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and open windows when the haze is heavy.
- Check real-time AQI monitors and follow health advisories.
Why the pattern persists — and what needs changing
While fireworks provide a dramatic spike, the persistent “winter smog” is driven by structural issues: vehicular emissions, dust from construction, and agricultural burning in surrounding states.
Long-term fixes proposed include: stronger enforcement of firecracker bans, cleaner fuels and transport, better dust control on construction sites, and alternate methods to crop-residue disposal. Yet previous years have shown limited success in the face of political, economic and behavioural challenges.
What to watch in the coming days
- Will AQI remain in “very poor” (201-300) or “severe” (301-400+) status, or improve? Forecasts suggest little relief immediately.
- Whether emergency measures might be triggered (school closures, free masks, traffic controls) if pollution worsens.
- The effectiveness of “green cracker” regulations and firework enforcement — whether this Diwali spike is worse or better than previous years.
- How neighbouring states respond to agricultural-burning sources, which play a significant role in regional haze.
The takeaway
Delhi’s post-Diwali haze is far more than a one-night event. It signals the annual onset of a deeply entrenched pollution cycle — and a public-health crisis in the making. Unless both cultural behaviours and structural sources of pollution are addressed, the city risks recurrent episodes of hazardous air for weeks to come.
