Diwali 2025 gives Delhi its worst air quality in 5 years

India Oct 22, 2025

Delhi's air quality tanked right after Diwali 2025, with PM 2.5 levels jumping to 488 ug/m3—over three times higher than before the festival.
This is the city's worst air in five years, pushing several neighborhoods into the 'severe' pollution zone.

Firecrackers, no wind worsen pollution

The main culprit? Firecracker smoke, made worse by barely any wind and weather that trapped pollution close to the ground.
Even though stubble burning dropped by 77% in Punjab and Haryana thanks to floods, local Diwali fireworks wiped out those gains.

Need stricter firecracker rules, year-round pollution control

This level of pollution is risky for everyone, but especially tough on kids and older people.
It's a wake-up call for stronger firecracker rules and better year-round pollution control to keep Delhi's air—and its people—healthier.