Diwali Firecracker Ban Ignored as Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’ Levels

Diwali celebrations in New Delhi have once again triggered a severe pollution crisis, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to hazardous levels. Despite a government-mandated ban on firecrackers, widespread celebrations led to dense smoke blanketing the city, with Friday morning recording an AQI spike from 328 to 359, classifying the air quality as “very poor.”

Major pollution hotspots, including Anand Vihar and RK Puram, showed AQI readings of 395 and 394, with other areas like Burari Crossing and Sonia Vihar not far behind. According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), pollution levels remain critically high, with forecasts indicating continued “very poor” air quality throughout the day.

Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai deployed 377 enforcement teams in an attempt to uphold the firecracker ban, while the police set up district task forces. However, enforcement was largely ineffective as residents celebrated into the night, contributing to dangerous smoke and noise levels. Exacerbating the situation, stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana continues to add to the smog choking the capital.

Environmentalists and residents are now urging the government to enforce stricter pollution control measures to mitigate the increasing respiratory health risks, as poor air quality continues to impact daily life in the capital. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been escalated to stage two, but experts fear that without compliance, Delhi’s air quality may worsen.