New Delhi Chokes Under Severe Smog After Diwali

The capital city of New Delhi has been enveloped in hazardous smog, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings soaring above 350 in many areas — a category labelled “severe” by the World Health Organization. 

The surge is attributed to three primary factors: widespread use of firecrackers during Diwali, smoke from agricultural stubble burning in surrounding states and stagnating weather conditions trapping pollutants. Despite the introduction of “green crackers” meant to reduce emissions, enforcement was lax and violations widespread.

Visibility dropped significantly across the region, and the conditions have raised alarms among health experts. They warn of severe impacts on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Moreover, a recent study in Scientific Reports suggests that such pollution is reducing sunshine hours across northern India—dampening solar energy potential and agricultural productivity as well.

Authorities say restrictions on construction and diesel generator use have been re-imposed, but environmentalists argue the responses remain reactive and short-term. They advocate for systemic change including cleaner energy transition, stricter vehicle emission controls and a coordinated regional approach to stubble-burning mitigation. The capital’s air crisis is once again shining a spotlight on India’s urban pollution challenge.ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.