Indian capital New Delhi chokes with pollution after Deepavali fireworks

Delhi faced significant challenges in enforcing time restrictions and monitoring the use of "green" firecrackers during Diwali, which worsened the city's already poor air quality. Despite the Supreme Court allowing green firecrackers to be used during specific time windows, fireworks continued to be set off well past midnight, contributing to hazardous levels of pollution.

Sunil Dahiya, an expert at Envirocatalysts, noted that sulphur dioxide levels rose sharply the day before Diwali and remained elevated, indicating that the permitted green firecrackers were not cleaner than conventional ones. The pollution levels peaked at nearly 600 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) around 1am, far exceeding the 24-hour standard of 60 µg/m³.

Experts, including Professor Mukesh Khare from IIT Delhi, acknowledged that green firecrackers could help reduce peak pollution levels but emphasized the difficulty in ensuring only green crackers are sold and used. The lack of effective monitoring and weak distribution networks allowed conventional crackers to flood the markets, defeating the purpose of the restrictions.

Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari blamed the lack of enforcement by authorities for the failure to comply with the court's directives, which included provisions for QR codes, designated sale locations, and police patrols. Despite past attempts, such as a complete ban on firecrackers between 2020 and 2024, the problem persisted as residents expressed frustration with the continued bursting of firecrackers during hazardous air pollution conditions.