Diwali 2025 Raises Delhi's Pollution to Highest Global Levels
The Indian capital, New Delhi, has witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality, recording the highest pollution levels in the world, according to data from the Swiss air quality measurement group "IQAir".
This deterioration occurred today, Tuesday, as a result of celebrations for the Hindu festival of lights "Diwali" and the use of fireworks.
The Indian Supreme Court had eased the ban on fireworks last week, allowing the use of what is known as "green crackers" for only three hours on Sunday and Monday, in an attempt to reduce pollution.
However, witnesses from Reuters reported that fireworks were observed being launched outside the permitted times, contributing to increased emissions of pollutants.
Data indicates that green crackers emit 30 to 50% less emissions compared to traditional fireworks.
Nevertheless, the air quality index (IQAir) in New Delhi recorded a high reading of 442, making the city the most polluted among major global cities.
The concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended annual guideline level by more than 59 times.
Fine particulate matter is defined as particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, and it is dangerous because it can reach the lungs, increasing the risk of fatal diseases and heart problems.
In this context, the Central Pollution Control Board of India classified the air quality in New Delhi as "very poor," with the air quality index recording a reading of 350, while a reading between 0 and 50 is considered acceptable.
The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences expects the pollution situation to continue in the coming days, with air quality remaining within the "very poor" and "poor" categories, with an index ranging between 201 and 400.
This escalating crisis underscores the urgent need for strict measures to curb pollution during festive events, to protect the health of New Delhi's residents amid these dangerous levels of air pollution.
