Air pollution in India’s capital, New Delhi, has surged to alarming levels following Diwali celebrations, with toxic fine particles reaching almost 59 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit.
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The spike followed a night of fireworks during the Hindu festival of Diwali, which is celebrated annually as the festival of lights. According to a report by IOL, air quality monitoring data showed that pollution levels remained dangerously high into Monday morning, several hours after the fireworks had stopped.
Fireworks add to New Delhi’s worsening air pollution
New Delhi is already among the world’s most polluted capital cities, with winter bringing particularly severe smog. Vehicle emissions, industrial activity and agricultural fires all contribute to the city’s poor air quality, with Diwali fireworks adding further pressure.
Although India’s Supreme Court recently permitted the limited use of so-called green firecrackers, which are designed to release fewer emissions, restrictions are often ignored during celebrations.
The impact was evident in the early hours of Monday morning.
Around eight hours after fireworks reached their peak, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the Mandir Marg area climbed to 879 micrograms per cubic metre, according to monitoring organisation IQAir, which referenced data from a government monitoring station.
This is almost 59 times the WHO’s recommended daily maximum for PM2.5 pollution.
What is driving New Delhi’s air pollution?
Fireworks are not the only source of the city’s pollution problem. New Delhi, which is home to more than 30 million people, experiences a combination of emissions that contribute to its recurring winter smog.
According to India’s environment ministry, the main contributors to winter air pollution include:
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Vehicle emissions: Account for approximately 23% of winter pollution.
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Biomass burning: Including agricultural stubble fires, contributes around 20%.
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Industry: Industrial activity, including coal-fired power plants, accounts for approximately 9%.
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Secondary particles: Make up the largest share at 27%. These form when gases released by vehicles, industries, power plants and biomass burning react in the atmosphere.
Authorities have introduced restrictions on traffic and construction in recent weeks in an effort to reduce pollution levels.
Air pollution linked to millions of deaths in India
The consequences of India’s air pollution crisis extend well beyond poor visibility and uncomfortable breathing conditions.
A 2024 study published in the peer-reviewed journal The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that air pollution was linked to approximately 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019.
The findings highlight the serious public health implications of prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
While restrictions on fireworks and other pollution sources may help reduce short-term spikes, New Delhi’s recurring winter smog reflects a much wider environmental and public health challenge.
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