Thick smog shrouds New Delhi after Diwali firecrackers add to seasonal pollution

A dense haze of smog engulfed New Delhi on Monday following the use of firecrackers during the Diwali festival, exacerbating already hazardous pollution levels and prolonging the seasonal air quality crisis that plagues the city annually. Despite efforts to curb fireworks, residents observed Diwali celebrations with firecrackers on Sunday evening, dispersing smoke and fine particles into the air.

On Monday morning, the air quality index surged beyond 350 in various sections of the capital, classified as severe and hazardous to health. Multiple monitoring stations throughout the city reported similarly alarming readings, while the smog reduced visibility, leaving streets and towering buildings cloaked in a gray mist. India's Supreme Court had previously directed authorities to limit Diwali pollution by restricting regular firecrackers and permitting only designated "green firecrackers" for three-hour windows on Saturday and Sunday.

While these crackers emit fewer pollutants, they do not eliminate the problem; they still release particulate matter and other harmful substances, contributing to the city's perilous air quality. Isyad, a resident of New Delhi who uses one name, described the worsening smog as detrimental to his health, noting symptoms of throat irritation and itchy eyes.

New Delhi and its metropolitan area, home to over 30 million inhabitants, frequently rank among the most polluted regions on Earth during winter months. The pollution intensifies as Diwali fireworks align with cooler temperatures and the combustion of crop residue in neighboring Punjab state.