Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Deepavali fireworks worsen air quality in Andhra Pradesh cities
Fireworks during Deepavali worsened air quality across Andhra Pradesh after the festival on November 8.
On Monday, air quality was rated poor in Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram, while other prominent cities were in the moderate category.
The festival came later in the year than in 2025, and winter conditions can trap pollution near the ground.
A hospital in Visakhapatnam treated two patients on Deepavali night, including one with respiratory failure after exposure to dense smoke.
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board said particulate pollution exceeded national standards on the festival day, and poor air can cause discomfort with prolonged exposure.
The doctor who treated the patients advised people to wear masks outdoors and those with lung conditions to use air purifiers at home.
Fireworks during Deepavali on November 8 worsened air quality in Andhra Pradesh, with Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram reaching the “poor” category the next day.
Air quality in other prominent cities in the State was “moderate,” according to the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
The Board said particulate matter exceeded national standards on the festival day.
A Visakhapatnam hospital received two patients on Deepavali night, including one with respiratory failure due to dense smoke exposure.
The Board said the festival fell later than in 2025 and in the winter season, when temperature inversion can trap pollutants near the surface.
- Who
- People celebrating Deepavali in Andhra Pradesh, and the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
- What
- Fireworks worsened air quality and raised pollution levels in cities across the State.
- When
- Deepavali was on November 8, 2026; air quality was reported on Monday.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, especially Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram.
- Why
- Burning crackers increased pollution. The Board said winter temperature inversion can also limit the dispersal of pollutants.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
People celebrated Deepavali in Andhra Pradesh with fireworks.
Real-time monitoring recorded peak noise levels of 111 dB(A) in Visakhapatnam and 112 dB(A) in Vijayawada; a Visakhapatnam hospital received two patients.
Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram recorded air quality in the “poor” category, while other prominent cities recorded “moderate” air quality.
- Festival date
- November 8, 2026
- Poor AQI cities
- Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram
- Monitoring stations
- 72 manual and 20 continuous stations across Andhra Pradesh
- Peak noise in Visakhapatnam
- 111 dB(A) on Deepavali night
- Peak noise in Vijayawada
- 112 dB(A) on Deepavali night