Toxic Haze Engulfs Delhi During Chhoti Diwali, Air Quality Hits Dangerous Levels

Delhi’s Chhoti Diwali celebrations on October 19, 2025, were eclipsed by a worsening air quality crisis, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared past 400 in several areas, plunging parts of the capital into the “severe” category. Anand Vihar recorded a staggering AQI of 426, making it the city’s worst-hit area, followed closely by Wazirpur at 349, Vivek Vihar at 349, and Sirifort at 308. By 8:05 PM, Delhi’s citywide average AQI stood at 339, firmly in the “very poor” zone, signaling serious health risks for residents and visitors alike.

The toxic haze, fueled by a combination of Diwali fireworks, rampant stubble burning in neighboring states, and vehicular emissions, cast a grim shadow over the festive spirit. Experts attribute the spike to meteorological factors, including low wind speeds and dropping temperatures, which trap pollutants in a dense, lingering smog. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a daytime high of 33.5°C, 0.9°C above the seasonal average, and a nighttime low of 19.6°C, 1.2°C warmer than normal. Humidity levels oscillated between 49% and 94%, exacerbating the heavy, suffocating haze that blanketed the city.

IMD forecasts warn of continued challenges, with shallow fog or smog expected to reduce visibility during early mornings from October 19 to 22. Partly cloudy skies may offer slight relief by October 22, but commuters are advised to remain cautious, particularly during peak smog hours. The early onset of winter, signaled by gradually dipping temperatures since mid-October, is likely to worsen the situation, as cooler air prevents pollutant dispersion, creating a perfect storm for Delhi’s annual air quality crisis.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Changes Diwali Timings: Here’s When the Last Train Leaves

Other monitoring stations across the city echoed the alarming trend: Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an AQI of 324, Ashok Vihar 298, Nehru Nagar 293, and RK Puram 322, all teetering between “poor” and “very poor” categories. The National Capital Region (NCR) faced similar woes, with Ghaziabad at 324, Noida at 298, and Gurugram at 258, highlighting the regional scope of the pollution crisis. These levels pose significant risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Health experts are urging immediate precautions. “Exposure to AQI levels above 300 can trigger respiratory distress, eye irritation, and exacerbate conditions like asthma or bronchitis,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi. She recommends wearing N95 masks, limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and monitoring symptoms, especially for at-risk groups. Hospitals across the city have reported a 15% uptick in respiratory-related cases since early October, a trend expected to intensify as pollution levels climb.

The crisis has sparked renewed calls for systemic action. Environmentalists point to the unchecked burning of crop residue in Punjab and Haryana, which contributes up to 30% of Delhi’s PM2.5 levels during this season, as a critical factor. Despite government initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcement remains spotty. Stage II of GRAP, activated on October 18, includes bans on coal and firewood in industries and restrictions on diesel generators, but compliance is often undermined by lax monitoring. Activists are also pushing for stricter regulations on firecracker use, a contentious issue given Diwali’s cultural significance. “Green crackers are a step, but their adoption is low, and illegal firecrackers flood the market,” noted Sunita Mishra, an environmental campaigner with Clean Air Delhi.

Local authorities have stepped up efforts to mitigate the crisis. The Delhi government has deployed 200 anti-smog guns across high-pollution zones, increased mechanized road sweeping, and launched awareness campaigns urging residents to avoid firecrackers. Chief Minister Atishi announced plans to distribute free N95 masks at metro stations and bus depots starting October 20. However, critics argue these measures are band-aid solutions, failing to address root causes like vehicular emissions, which account for nearly 40% of Delhi’s pollution, or the lack of scalable alternatives to stubble burning.

Residents, meanwhile, are grappling with the impact. “Diwali is about lights and joy, but it’s hard to breathe or see the sky,” said Priya Sharma, a schoolteacher in Rohini. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with frustration, with hashtags like #DelhiChokes and #BanFirecrackers trending as citizens demand cleaner air. Some families are opting for eco-friendly celebrations, replacing firecrackers with diya-lighting and community events, though tradition remains a hard habit to break.

As Delhi’s iconic skyline fades behind a smoky veil, the air quality crisis underscores an urgent need for collective action. With forecasts predicting worse conditions in the coming days, the capital faces a stark choice: rethink festive practices and pollution policies or brace for a public health emergency that could dim Diwali’s glow for years to come.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Expands ED’s Reach by Declaring Fraudulent Coal Allocations as “Property”