Smog blankets New Delhi as Diwali firecrackers worsen air quality

SaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkA man rides his tricycle amid dense smog on the morning after Diwali in New Delhi on November 9, 2026 [AFP]By AFP and APPublished On 9 Nov 20269 Nov 2026Heavy smog has blanketed New Delhi after firecrackers lit up the Indian capital during Diwali celebrations, worsening the seasonal pollution crisis.Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, was celebrated across India on Sunday. Despite restrictions on fireworks, New Delhi residents celebrated the festival of lights with firecrackers throughout Sunday evening, releasing smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Rent-a-grandchild: Businesses offering companions to elderly grow in Indialist 2 of 3UK jailing of Indian sailor over Russia sanctions sets off ‘perfect storm’list 3 of 3India beat New Zealand by four runs via DLS in rain-hit second ODIend of listOn Monday morning, the Air Quality Index exceeded 350 in several parts of the capital, categorised as “severe” and posing significant health risks, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended exposure thresholds.Last month, India’s Supreme Court put in place restrictions to limit Diwali pollution, allowing only approved “green firecrackers” under specified conditions for three-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday. The approved crackers produce fewer emissions but are not pollution-free.Girls hold lit sparklers during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in New Delhi, India, on November 8, 2026 [Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters]Seasonal pollutionOn Wednesday, days before Diwali, toxic air pollution in New Delhi surged to more than 30 times the WHO’s recommended daily limit, data from air monitors showed.New Delhi, home to 30 million people, persistently ranks among the world’s most polluted capital cities.The issue is exacerbated during the winter, when cooler temperatures, low wind speeds and stagnant atmospheric conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing.Vehicles account for 23 percent of New Delhi’s winter pollution, while biomass burning, including farm stubble fires, contributes 20 percent, according to India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.The result is a thick haze that can linger over the capital and surrounding areas for days.