Air pollution on Diwali in Delhi broke a four-year record. PM 2.5 levels surpassed 670, and most parts of the capital fell into the '‘very poor’' AQI category. Doctors have warned people to wear masks.
NEW DELHI: After Diwali, air pollution in Delhi has set a new record. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI around Akshardham was recorded at 360 this morning, which falls into the '‘very poor’' category. AQI was recorded at 355 in Anand Vihar and 362 at ITO, making the air in Delhi-NCR akin to a gas chamber.
Due to this situation, doctors are advising people to wear masks when outdoors. A Grade 2 pollution alert has been implemented in Delhi. In Punjabi Bagh, the AQI was recorded at 437, which is close to the '‘severe’' category. Noida recorded an AQI of 298 and Gurugram 252, both falling into the '‘very poor’' category.
Pollution Breaks Records on Diwali
This Diwali, the PM 2.5 level in Delhi was recorded at 675 micrograms per cubic meter, which is the highest in the last four years. In 2024, it was 609; in 2023, 570; in 2022, 534; and in 2021, 728.
Experts state that pollution levels rose rapidly on Diwali due to firecrackers, stubble burning, and cold winds. This severely impacted the capital's air quality and became a threat to public health.
Noise Pollution Also Flouted
Along with air pollution, noise pollution has also become a cause for concern in the city. During Diwali, 23 out of Delhi's 26 noise monitoring stations recorded sound levels above the maximum permissible limit. Last year, this number was 22. Experts say that this poses a serious threat not only to air quality but also to physical and mental health.
Despite restrictions, the sound of firecrackers in the city affected urban life. The combination of noise and air pollution made Diwali challenging for Delhiites.
Political Debate on Pollution
Political blame-games have begun in Delhi over Diwali pollution. Delhi government minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the AAP is inciting farmers in Punjab to burn stubble, with the aim of making the capital's air toxic and putting pressure on the government.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party rejected these allegations, criticized the Delhi minister, and stated that the AQI on Diwali in 2025 increased by only 11 points, which is lower compared to the last three years. The AAP also reiterated its promise of artificial rain.
