Andhra Pradesh experienced a refreshing change this Diwali, with no significant spike in air pollution following the celebrations on October 20, 2025. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) across key monitoring stations on October 21 was 101, classified as Moderate, a notable improvement compared to previous Diwali periods. This stability persisted into October 22, with the state-wide average AQI remaining around 101, reflecting no escalation in pollution levels two days post-Diwali.
Environmental experts attribute this positive trend to recent rainfall across multiple regions, which effectively dispersed particulate matter and other pollutants, preventing the hazardous air quality spikes typically associated with festive firecracker use. On October 21, air quality across Andhra Pradesh’s cities showed encouraging results. Amaravati recorded an AQI of 64, falling in the Satisfactory category, with PM2.5 as the primary pollutant. Anantapur and Chittoor reported AQIs of 125 and 122, respectively, both in the Moderate range due to PM2.5.
Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada, with AQIs of 98, were also Satisfactory, with ozone (O3) and PM2.5 as key contributors in Vijayawada. Visakhapatnam’s AQI was 113, categorized as Moderate, driven by PM2.5. Tirumala stood out with an AQI of 25, reflecting Good air quality, primarily due to carbon monoxide (CO). Tirupati, however, had a higher AQI of 161, still within the Moderate category. These figures mark a significant improvement over previous years, where Diwali nights often saw much higher pollution levels.
On October 22, air quality remained stable across the state, with minor fluctuations but no major deterioration. Preliminary CPCB data as of late afternoon showed Amaravati at an AQI of 76 (Satisfactory, PM2.5), Anantapur at 125 (Moderate, PM2.5), Chittoor at 122 (Moderate, PM2.5), Rajamahendravaram at 98 (Satisfactory, PM2.5), Vijayawada at 71 (Satisfactory, PM2.5 and O3), Visakhapatnam at 129 (Moderate, PM2.5), Tirumala at 25 (Good, CO), and Tirupati at 161 (Moderate, PM2.5). The sustained moderate to satisfactory air quality underscores the impact of favorable weather conditions, particularly intermittent rainfall, which a senior official from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board noted played a pivotal role in washing away particulate matter.
This year’s post-Diwali air quality stands in stark contrast to previous years. On Diwali night in 2024, Visakhapatnam recorded an AQI of 180 and Chittoor 162, both in the Moderate to Poor range, while Rajamahendravaram (124) and Tirupati (116) also faced elevated pollution. The 2023 Diwali season was even worse, with Chittoor hitting an AQI of 350 and Visakhapatnam at 322, both in the Very Poor category, alongside high AQIs in Rajamahendravaram (255), Amaravati (232), and Tirupati (208).
The improved air quality in 2025 highlights the effectiveness of natural factors like rainfall and possibly growing awareness of eco-friendly practices. Authorities continue to monitor air quality to ensure sustained stability and encourage residents to adopt sustainable measures to further reduce pollution during future festivities.