Delhi Air Pollution: Firecracker ban flouted on Diwali as AQI remains very poor; Pollution exceeds WHO limits by over 50 times in parts

New Delhi, November 9: Delhi’s post-Diwali air pollution crisis has intensified, with pollution levels in parts of the national capital reportedly exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed limits by more than 50 times after residents continued bursting firecrackers beyond the 10 p.m. deadline on Deepavali night.

The national capital woke up to another spell of toxic air on Monday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 366 at 6:15 a.m., placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The city’s average AQI had stood at 376 on Sunday, compared with 369 a day earlier, indicating that air quality was already deteriorating before the impact of the night’s firecracker emissions.

Several monitoring stations across Delhi recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels. Sonia Vihar, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Burari Crossing and North Campus were among the worst-affected locations, with station-level AQI readings crossing 440 in the early hours of Monday.

According to the CPCB’s classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls under the ‘very poor’ category, while readings between 401 and 500 are classified as ‘severe’.

Pollution levels far above WHO guidelines

The latest pollution episode highlights the widening gap between Delhi’s air quality and the health-based guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organization.

Under its 2021 Global Air Quality Guidelines, WHO recommends that the 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). For PM10, the recommended 24-hour average limit is 45 µg/m³.

The annual guideline values are even stricter, with PM2.5 capped at 5 µg/m³ and PM10 at 15 µg/m³.

Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is considered especially dangerous because these tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The reported pollution levels exceeding WHO limits by more than 50 times in some parts of Delhi underline the scale of the public health challenge.

Firecracker restrictions violated

Despite restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court, firecrackers were burst across several residential areas beyond the permitted 10 p.m. window on Diwali night.

The widespread violations added another layer of pollution to a city already struggling with emissions from vehicles, industries, construction activities, road dust and seasonal stubble burning.

The sharp increase in particulate pollution following firecracker use once again raises questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.

GRAP measures and continuing pollution challenge

The deterioration in air quality comes amid the implementation of emergency pollution-control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage III measures from November 6 as Delhi-NCR grapples with deteriorating air quality.

Experts have repeatedly warned that unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature-related atmospheric conditions, can trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the pollution situation.

Children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions remain particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

The post-Diwali pollution spike has once again exposed the limitations of short-term restrictions and emergency responses.

It highlights the need for sustained action against all major pollution sources, alongside strict enforcement of firecracker regulations, to prevent Delhi’s annual winter pollution crisis from becoming a recurring public health emergency.