Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has strongly refuted claims that link Diwali celebrations, Hindus, and Sanatanis to Delhi's worsening air pollution, calling such accusations a "sin". His statement comes in the wake of the city being blanketed in a thick smog following Diwali, with air quality plummeting to "very poor" levels.

Sirsa's defense of Diwali celebrations arrives amidst a blame game between political parties regarding the sources and handling of Delhi's pollution crisis. He has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of deliberately orchestrating the burning of crop residue in Punjab to exacerbate Delhi's pollution and tarnish the image of Diwali. Sirsa presented videos purportedly showing farmers in Punjab being coerced into burning stubble, alleging that AAP leaders were behind the scheme. He claimed the farmers were even concealing their identities while burning the crops.

Conversely, AAP leaders have criticized the BJP government in Delhi for failing to implement measures to control pollution, including the use of artificial rain. They also alleged that the government failed to prevent the illegal sale of regular firecrackers, despite the Supreme Court's permission being limited to "green crackers".

The use of firecrackers during Diwali has long been a contentious issue due to their contribution to air and noise pollution. This year, the Supreme Court relaxed a ban on firecrackers, permitting the use of "green crackers" for a limited time. However, reports indicate that these restrictions were widely flouted. Despite the availability of green firecrackers, many conventional firecrackers were illegally sold and burst.

Sirsa cited data indicating that the Air Quality Index (AQI) increased only marginally after Diwali, which he argues demonstrates that firecrackers were not the primary cause of pollution. He contrasted this with previous years, including 2021, when a firecracker ban was in place, yet the AQI still rose significantly. According to Sirsa, this data proves the "incompetence" of the previous Kejriwal government and exposes their "ploy against Hindu festivals". He stated that the increase in AQI was only 6 points higher than the previous day. However, other reports contradict this claim, stating that Delhi recorded its worst post-Diwali air quality in four years, with PM2.5 levels peaking at 675 micrograms per cubic meter. Analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data from 2021 to 2025 shows that PM 2.5 concentrations averaged 488 µg/m³ post-Diwali.

The deterioration of Delhi's air quality after Diwali is a complex issue influenced by a combination of factors. These include:

• Firecrackers: The bursting of firecrackers releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to a spike in pollution levels. Even green firecrackers contribute to the problem.
• Stubble Burning: The burning of agricultural residue in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana releases smoke that is carried to Delhi by wind.
• Vehicular Emissions: Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution in Delhi.
• Industrial Pollution: Emissions from industries in and around Delhi contribute to air pollution.
• Construction Dust: Construction activities generate dust that pollutes the air.
• Weather Conditions: Stagnant winds and low temperatures during the winter months trap pollutants and prevent them from dispersing.

While firecrackers contribute to the problem, experts emphasize that they are not the sole cause. Other factors, such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution, also play a significant role.

The government has implemented measures to mitigate air pollution, including:

• Sweeping and monitoring construction sites
• Employing smog guns
• Expanding the electric bus fleet
• Stringent monitoring for all construction sites over 500 square meters
• Removed 27 lakh metric tons of waste

Sirsa stated that conditions were not feasible for cloud seeding.

The debate over Delhi's pollution continues, with political parties trading accusations and data to support their claims. Regardless of the political maneuvering, the fact remains that Delhi's air quality is a serious public health concern, particularly after Diwali.