POLLUTION
Delhi’s Diwali pollution started before the fireworks. What five years of action have achieved
Delhi’s air was already severely polluted before Diwali, with average PM2.5 levels in the week before the festival reaching 236 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly double the 2025 level, according to CSE. The findings suggest firecrackers and stubble burning worsen an existing crisis rather than create it, with vehicles, industry, construction, waste burning and pollution from neighbouring NCR districts keeping baseline pollution high.
ET Graphics: Why emergency traffic curbs in 2026 failed to clear Delhi's toxic winter air
A CSE analysis finds that Delhi's emergency traffic curbs failed to ease congestion or improve air quality in early winter 2026, while Diwali firecrackers triggered a sharp pollution spike. The report examines the contribution of transport, stubble burning and other sources, emerging pollution hotspots and the need for year-round emission control.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath defends firecrackers on Diwali; dismisses pollution concerns
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his support for the celebration of Diwali with firecrackers. He stated that concerns about pollution should be alleviated as they would decrease. Adityanath criticized those who focus on pollution while ignoring greater corrupt practices. He emphasized the importance of enjoying festivities without imposing prohibitions on firecrackers. He stated that it was positive for people to celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm.
Firecrackers, vehicle emissions, aerosols among top sources of Delhi pollution, IITM estimates show
IITM's source-apportionment models identified firecrackers as the largest contributor to Delhi's pollution on the two days after Diwali, though the estimates showed substantial variability. Meanwhile, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal cited the firecracker trade's economic impact, questioned the focus on crackers and called for equal treatment of Hindu festivals under environmental restrictions.
UP CM Adityanath dismisses Diwali pollution concerns, says it will subside
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended Diwali firecracker celebrations, playing down concerns over the resulting rise in pollution. Saying the pollution would subside, he questioned why critics were not equally vocal about those who had allegedly polluted the system through corruption, and said his government had imposed no restrictions.
- Go To Page 1
Pakistan blames India's Diwali fireworks for Lahore's toxic air
The northern Pakistani city of Lahore topped Swiss group IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities for a second day on Tuesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 263, categorised as "very unhealthy".
AQI differences with private apps due to different methodology, not data under-reporting: CPCB
The Central Pollution Control Board clarified the differences in Air Quality Index readings from private applications and its platform. It emphasized that the variations stem from differing measurement methodologies rather than under-reporting. The CPCB noted that during extreme episodes, data gaps may appear due to calibration limits of monitoring instruments. Since 2015, improvements in monitoring technology have been ongoing to enhance air quality reporting.
IIT Indore reveals severe pollution in drain leading into Kshipra river ahead of Simhastha 2028 pilgrimage
IIT Indore conducted an investigation revealing significant pollution levels in Nagdhaman Nala, which impacts Kshipra river water quality. The study identified a lack of oxygen and high levels of faecal bacteria in the water. Experts expressed concerns regarding the water's unfit status for recreational use ahead of Simhastha 2028. Madhya Pradesh government has not taken necessary actions to address these pollution levels despite growing environmental concerns.
As Delhi gasps for clean air, parliamentary panel skips hearing on air pollution
A Parliamentary committee in Delhi removed the air pollution issue from its upcoming meeting agenda on November 17. Congress member Ajay Maken objected to this change and wrote to the committee chairperson for reconsideration. Maken emphasized that air pollution poses severe health risks and must be treated as a public health emergency. The initial agenda had included discussions involving the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding air pollution enforcement measures.
Delhi's Diwali pollution puzzle: Updated data shows massive spikes, gaps remain
On Diwali night, alarming gaps in air quality monitoring data raised serious concerns about pollution levels in Delhi. Some monitoring stations displayed particulate matter levels far exceeding prescribed limits. The Central Pollution Control Board revealed data omissions during the critical pollution period.
Why are we becoming 'vishwaguru' in air pollution: Kharge targets Modi govt
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP government of failing to tackle Delhi's worsening air pollution, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over unspent environmental funds and missing PM2.5 readings at monitoring stations. He demanded accountability, citing pollution-linked deaths, poor utilisation of clean-air funds and recurring government assurances.
Delhi pollution: Supreme Court flags rising vehicle emissions, seeks crackdown plan from 4 states
The Supreme Court has flagged rising vehicular emissions as an urgent concern in the Delhi-NCR pollution crisis, seeking action plans from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. It has sought details of enforcement against over-age and non-compliant vehicles, inter-state coordination and a time-bound roadmap to strengthen emission checks.
Delhi air pollution: Health experts warn of health risks as even healthy people report symptoms
Doctors from AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals report that Delhi's severe air pollution causes respiratory issues among healthy individuals. Dr. Vijay Hadda emphasizes that green crackers only partially mitigate harmful emissions from conventional firecrackers. Young people aged 20-50 are also complaining of symptoms, indicating widespread health effects. Continuous exposure to high pollution levels can lead to persistent symptoms appearing within hours.
Delhi wakes up to post-Diwali smog as AQI crosses 440, several areas record 'severe' pollution levels; Burari worst hit
Delhi experienced a sharp decline in air quality on Monday morning following Diwali celebrations. Multiple monitoring stations reported Air Quality Index levels exceeding 400, indicating severe pollution. Burari Crossing recorded the highest AQI at 441, and visibility was heavily affected by smog. In response to deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan.
47 out of 50 most polluted cities of the world in India, Delhi gets a high rank
According to live air quality rankings, India has 47 of the world's 50 most polluted cities. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan is the most polluted city globally, recording an alarming AQI of 671. Following closely are several cities from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with AQIs exceeding 300. Delhi ranks 13th in the world, highlighting the widespread air quality crisis in northern India.
We had got things so wrong on pollution
Firecrackers are continuously burst during Diwali, contributing to significant air pollution in India. This practice leads to toxic air conditions that affect public health. Recent evaluations showed that 99 out of the world's 100 most polluted cities are in India. The cultural significance of these practices has overshadowed the health implications associated with them. Ultimately, the trend reveals a collective indifference toward pollution and its harmful effects.
How to protect yourself from rising air pollution and smog: 6 practical tips and guide to choosing the right air purifier
Rising air pollution and smog affect daily life in India, particularly during winter months. Taking precautions such as wearing masks can help mitigate exposure to polluted air. Keeping windows and doors closed is essential during times of severe pollution. Regular home cleaning and avoiding indoor burning can improve indoor air quality effectively. Choosing the right air purifier involves considering room size, filter costs, and energy consumption.
'Data eclipse': Questions over Delhi AQI data as several monitoring stations go offline on Diwali night
Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years, with the average AQI touching 376, but questions have emerged over the reliability of official data after 36 of its 59 monitoring stations stopped reporting readings at 1 am during peak pollution hours. Private platforms reported significantly higher pollution levels, with AQI.in recording a peak of 2,283.
India's invisible pain: The dirt in the air comes with a hefty price tag for economy and businesses
Severe pollution plaguing Indian cities is taking a toll on businesses. Restrictions placed on construction and transportation impede the movement of goods, leading to increased operational expenses. Many consumers are opting out of outdoor activities due to dangerous air quality, resulting in a drop in sales and foot traffic.
Delhi's post-Diwali smog puts Rekha Gupta & Co's clean-air promise to test
Delhi's air quality has recently deteriorated, reaching a severe level of 370 on November 9. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government is facing scrutiny over its clean-air promises amidst worsening conditions. Despite various pollution-control measures, including a winter action plan, the situation remains dire as the season intensifies. Punjab has also reported a significant number of stubble-burning incidents contributing to regional pollution.
Congress slams Modi govt for being in 'denial' on impact of air pollution on mortality
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Modi government for denying air pollution's significant mortality impact. He referred to a FICCI-EY report indicating around 2 million death cases linked to pollution in 2023. The report urges reforms like tightening PM2.5 and ozone standards to WHO levels for better public health. Ramesh emphasized the need for revamping the National Clean Air Programme to address these alarming issues.
Delhi AQI at 3,000 or 300? Why different apps are showing different pollution levels
Delhi's air pollution readings have sparked confusion as government and independent monitoring platforms report sharply different AQI figures, ranging from the 300s to over 3,000. Differences in AQI calculation methods, averaging periods, monitoring networks and sensor technology explain why apps show varying numbers. Here's why Delhi's AQI readings differ and how PM2.5 levels can provide a clearer picture of air pollution.
Delhi AQI today: Air pollution readings turns severe after Diwali bursts: Check area-wise levels here
Delhi AQI Live: Delhi's air quality turned into severe category on November 9, 2026, following Diwali celebrations and firecracker bursts. While the official citywide AQI stood at 372, several monitoring stations across the national capital recorded readings above 400, placing them in the Severe category. Here's a look at the latest Delhi AQI, area-wise pollution readings and reasons behind the post-Diwali deterioration.
Ground floor residents breathe cleaner air: Upper floors in high-rise apartments record 40% more pollution and toxic air, study finds
Residents on the ground floors of high-rise buildings may be breathing cleaner air than those living several floors above them, with upper levels recording up to 40% higher particulate pollution, a Mumbai study has found. Researchers monitoring residential towers in Wadala linked the pattern to industrial emissions and swirling wind currents around tall buildings.
SC questions recurring Delhi-NCR pollution, flags vehicle emissions as major contributor
The Supreme Court has raised concerns over recurring air pollution in Delhi-NCR, identifying vehicular emissions as a major contributor and questioning why the AQI continues to approach 400 despite regulatory measures. The bench also called for changes in festival practices and economic incentives to discourage stubble burning.
Delhi air pollution: GRAP 3 restrictions kick in ahead of Diwali; what's allowed and what's banned
Delhi-NCR has invoked GRAP Stage III restrictions ahead of Diwali as pollution levels worsened, with the capital's AQI reaching 382. The curbs include restrictions on older vehicles, construction and dust-generating activities, while essential projects, additional Metro services and buses can continue under prescribed measures.
Diwali 2026: You can't control outdoor air pollution, but 6 things you can do to improve indoor air quality during Diwali firecracker season without an air purifier
Diwali festivities, while joyous, often contribute to heightened air pollution from firecrackers and outdoor emissions. To combat indoor air quality issues during this period, consider keeping windows shut and steering clear of incense burning to minimize smoke. Regular cleaning and maintaining home appliances can effectively reduce dust buildup. Although indoor plants add a touch of beauty, they don't significantly enhance air quality throughout Diwali.
Delhi pollution: Supreme Court to go by expert opinion on plea for online classes if AQI rises
Supreme Court is evaluating expert opinions concerning potential school closures amid worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR. The average Air Quality Index has been categorized as 'very poor', with severe pollution levels reported in many areas. Authorities have noted that vehicular emissions significantly contribute to the region's pollution crisis. The implementation of measures, including truck-mounted water sprinklers, is part of the effort to improve air quality.
Load More
