New Delhi choked by toxic smog after Diwali fireworks

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 9 Nov, 13:44 · Archive

New Delhi woke to severe smog on Monday after Diwali firecrackers released smoke and particulates despite firecracker restrictions.

New Delhi woke to thick toxic smog on Monday after firecrackers lit up the city during Diwali celebrations on Sunday evening. The Hindu festival of lights saw residents release smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere, despite a firecracker ban.

Air quality indices in several parts of the capital exceeded 350, categorised as 'severe' by the World Health Organization's exposure thresholds. In some areas, pollution surpassed WHO's recommended daily limits by more than 50 times. The thick haze can linger over the capital and surrounding areas for days.

India's Supreme Court had placed restrictions on Diwali celebrations, allowing only approved 'green firecrackers' under specified conditions for three-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday. The approved crackers produce fewer emissions but are not pollution-free. However, residents disregarded the firecracker ban.

New Delhi, home to 30 million people, persistently ranks among the world's most polluted capital cities. The issue is exacerbated during winter, when cooler temperatures, low wind speeds and stagnant atmospheric conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing. Vehicles account for 23 percent of New Delhi's winter pollution, whilst biomass burning, including farm stubble fires, contributes 20 percent, according to India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The National Capital Region, which includes several satellite cities surrounding New Delhi, has also reported severe air quality levels. Parts of the wider Delhi-NCR area experienced dangerously high pollution on Monday following the Diwali celebrations.

How it is being reported

• Thick smog shrouds Delhi after Diwali celebrationsA thick blanket of smog shrouded India’s capital Monday after firecrackers lit up the skies over New Delhi during Diwali celebrations, compounding dangerously high pollution levels and intensifying the seasonal air pollution crisis that grips the city every year.France 24 · 9 Nov, 13:27
• India news: Delhi air quality level 'severe' after DiwaliIllegal fireworks during Diwali celebrations have impacted New Delhi's air quality level. DW has the latest.DW News · 9 Nov, 07:12
• Smog blankets New Delhi as Diwali firecrackers worsen air qualityAir quality in Indian capital reaches severe levels, posing heightened health risks for more than 30 million residents.Al Jazeera · 9 Nov, 05:20
• New Delhi blanketed in toxic smog after Diwali fireworksNew Delhi woke up to thick smog after Diwali celebrations saw fireworks light up the city overnight.Al Jazeera · 9 Nov, 04:35

In this story: New Delhi · India · World Health Organization · India's Supreme Court · India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log