Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Diwali fireworks worsen severe smog in New Delhi
Fireworks during Diwali added to New Delhi’s smog, leaving parts of India’s capital under a thick haze on Monday.
Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, and many people celebrate it with fireworks.
The Supreme Court had limited fireworks to approved green crackers and set time windows, but fireworks continued beyond the permitted hours, according to reports.
Green crackers are designed to produce fewer emissions, but they are not pollution-free, and authorities face difficulties checking whether they are being used.
Air quality reached severe levels in parts of the capital, which is home to more than 30 million people; readings differed by monitor and location.
Winter conditions trap pollution, which also comes from vehicles, farm fires and industry.
Stage III pollution-control measures are in force across Delhi and adjoining districts, with further enforcement and controls intended to prevent air quality from worsening.
Diwali firecrackers added to severe seasonal smog in New Delhi on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The Air Quality Index exceeded 350 in several parts of the capital, and one reading reached 404 in the severe category.
The Supreme Court had allowed only approved green firecrackers in specified time windows on November 7 and 8, but residents also used firecrackers on Sunday evening.
Pollution also comes from crop-residue fires, vehicles, industry and construction dust, while cool, still weather can prevent pollutants from dispersing.
Public health expert Shweta Narayan said the government’s response had been “knee-jerk” and “temporary.”
- Who
- New Delhi residents celebrated Diwali with firecrackers; city residents faced the resulting smog.
- What
- Fireworks added smoke and fine particles to already high pollution, as air quality reached the severe category in parts of the capital.
- When
- Monday, November 9, 2026, after fireworks on Sunday evening, November 8.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Fireworks added pollution to seasonal sources including crop-residue fires, vehicles, industry and construction dust; cool, still conditions can trap pollutants.
Environmentalists
New Delhi authorities
Long-term response
Environmentalists
Environmentalists say cleaner energy and stricter controls on vehicle emissions are needed to prevent the annual crisis.
New Delhi authorities
Authorities have introduced measures including construction limits and restrictions on diesel generators, and courts have restricted firecrackers.
Assessment of response
Environmentalists
Shweta Narayan described the government’s response as “knee-jerk” and “temporary.
New Delhi authorities
Authorities’ measures have not prevented severe pollution from returning each year.
India’s Supreme Court restricted conventional Diwali firecrackers and allowed approved green firecrackers in specified time windows.
The Supreme Court’s specified windows for green firecrackers were in force, though traditional crackers were also available in Delhi markets.
Residents set off firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.
New Delhi was shrouded in smog, with some air-quality readings above 350 and a reading of 404 recorded at 4 a.m.
- Population
- New Delhi and its metropolitan region are home to more than 30 million people.
- Delhi AQI
- 404 at 4 a.m. on November 9, in the severe category, according to The Hindu.
- Delhi 24-hour average AQI
- 370 at 9 a.m. on November 9, in the very poor category, according to The Hindu.
- Highest Delhi station reading
- Burari Crossing recorded an AQI of 441 on November 9.
- Firecracker restrictions
- Green firecrackers were allowed in specified time windows on November 7 and 8.
11 sources
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What people are saying
A lot of interventions happen only because the government is pressured or pushed in a corner to do something,
Because of the pollution there is irritation in the throat and itching in the eyes,