Delhi's air quality plummeted to "very poor" and "severe" categories following Diwali celebrations on October 20, 2025, despite the permitted use of "green crackers". Residents awoke on Tuesday to a thick layer of smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring, raising serious health concerns.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's overall AQI at 350 at 8 am, with many monitoring stations in the "Red Zone" indicating hazardous levels. Several hotspots exceeded AQI 401, entering the "Severe" category. Bawana recorded the highest AQI at 423, followed by Wazirpur (408) and Jahangirpuri (407). Punjabi Bagh (376), Mundka (366), Anand Vihar (358), and Burari Crossing (399) remained in the "Very Poor" range. Even key areas like IGI Airport (Terminal 3) and ITO recorded AQI readings of 302 and 342, respectively.
This Diwali's pollution levels were the highest in recent years, with the city's air quality worse than the previous two years. The Supreme Court had conditionally allowed the use of certified 'green crackers'. Green crackers are designed to emit up to 30% less particulate matter and fewer harmful gases. They are made by reducing the size of the shells, eliminating ash, using fewer raw materials, and adding dust-suppressing additives. These modifications are said to result in at least a 30 percent reduction in particulate matter (PM) and a further 10% reduction in gaseous emissions, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2), compared to traditional or conventional crackers.
However, the celebrations saw widespread bursting of fireworks, with many flouting the Supreme Court's directions and exceeding the permitted time frame. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) show that the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 345, up from 326 the day before, and four monitoring stations have already recorded AQI values above 400, indications of the "severe" category. On Diwali evening alone, 34 out of 38 stations in the city registered air quality in the "red zone" (very poor to severe).
The aftermath of Diwali 2025 underscores the persistent challenge Delhi faces each winter in balancing cultural celebrations with the need to protect public health. Despite regulations, green cracker allowances, and government mitigation measures, the city's air quality deteriorated to dangerous levels.
While "green crackers" are designed to reduce emissions, experts say they are 'less harmful, not safe'. They still release ultrafine particles and residual toxins that harm air and soil quality. Experts suggest that green crackers should be treated as a transitional measure — better than the old ones, yet far from clean. Moreover, their real-world effectiveness is limited by widespread use, counterfeit products, and enforcement challenges.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had already imposed Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). Residents and travelers are advised to limit outdoor activity, especially for children and older adults, and to use air purifiers and masks when venturing outside.
