Supreme Court of India

Smog blankets New Delhi after Diwali weekend, with air quality monitors reporting hazardous pollution levels

New Delhi is engulfed in hazardous smog following Diwali celebrations, with air quality monitors indicating dangerous pollution levels. The city's autumn weather traps vehicle emissions and smoke from agricultural burning, exacerbating health risks for residents, as over a billion people celebrated the festival of lights.

PBS9 November 2026 · 21:25 UTC
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New Delhi is currently shrouded in hazardous smog, a consequence of the recent Diwali celebrations, which saw over a billion people across various faiths participating in the festival of lights.12

Air quality index monitors have reported alarming pollution levels, posing significant health risks to nearly all individuals in the region.

The Delhi area typically suffers from deteriorating air quality during autumn, as cooler temperatures and reduced wind speeds trap pollutants, particularly vehicle emissions, closer to the ground.

Additionally, smoke from agricultural burning in neighboring states further exacerbates the situation, as farmers prepare their fields for the upcoming planting season.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling allowing limited use of “green firecrackers” during Diwali, the illegal sale and use of fireworks continue to contribute to the hazardous air quality.

As the city grapples with these pollution challenges, health experts warn that the air quality poses serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The combination of festive celebrations and environmental factors has led to a significant public health concern in New Delhi.

Key Insight
“The hazardous air poses significant health risks to nearly all individuals, according to monitors. The smog follows a weekend of Diwali celebrations, indicating a direct link between the festivities and the deteriorated air quality.”
Air pollution levels spike in Delhi following Diwali celebrations. #India #Diwali #BBCNews
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Air pollution levels spike in Delhi following Diwali celebrations. #India #Diwali #BBCNews
Air pollution so bad in Delhi it's as harmful as smoking a pack a day
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Air pollution so bad in Delhi it's as harmful as smoking a pack a day
Delhi air as harmful as smoking 20 cigarettes a day
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Delhi air as harmful as smoking 20 cigarettes a day
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“New Delhi was blanketed by hazy smog Monday after a weekend of Diwali celebrations.”
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