New Delhi’s air quality plummeted to “hazardous” levels this week, designating India’s capital as the world’s most polluted major city, largely due to widespread fireworks displays during Diwali despite official restrictions.
The Swiss air quality firm IQAir reported New Delhi’s PM2.5 levels reached 442 micrograms per cubic meter on Tuesday. This figure is more than 59 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended annual standard. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to severe respiratory diseases and heart problems, as these fine particles readily enter the lungs.
The extreme pollution surge followed the Hindu festival of Diwali, during which many residents ignited fireworks across the city. This occurred even though India’s Supreme Court had relaxed a ban only for “green fireworks,” which produce 30-50% less pollution, for limited three-hour windows on Sunday and Monday. Reuters reporters observed extensive use of fireworks outside these designated times and types.
India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed Delhi’s air quality as “very poor,” with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 350. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good. India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences forecasts that New Delhi will continue to experience “poor to very poor” air quality, with AQI values ranging from 201-400, for several more days.
New Delhi and its surrounding regions face a chronic air pollution crisis every winter. Cold, heavy air traps a dense layer of smog. This smog is a mix of emissions from construction, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of agricultural waste in nearby farming areas.
This seasonal phenomenon annually exposes over 20 million residents to severe respiratory issues. In previous years, local authorities have implemented emergency measures. These have included closing schools, temporarily halting some construction activities, and restricting private vehicle usage to mitigate the impact.
The pollution crisis extends beyond India’s borders. In Pakistan’s Punjab province, which borders India, authorities have declared an “emergency plan” to combat similar environmental challenges. This plan includes stringent measures such as cracking down on stubble burning, controlling vehicles emitting excessive smoke, and deploying mist sprayers to reduce airborne dust. IQAir data showed Lahore, the capital of Punjab, recorded a PM2.5 level of 234, ranking it as the world’s second most polluted city, only behind New Delhi.