The Indian capital topped global charts on Friday as the world's most polluted city, with its air quality index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels. The spike followed widespread firecracker use during Diwali celebrations on Thursday night, despite a ban aimed at curbing pollution. According to data from Swiss firm IQ Air, New Delhi’s AQI surged to 348, marking the city as the most polluted worldwide.
Residents awoke to thick smog blanketing the city, obscuring iconic landmarks like the presidential palace and surrounding gardens in central Delhi, and posing serious health risks. Joggers and cyclists in the city’s popular recreational areas found themselves surrounded by an unhealthy gray haze. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that areas across the city experienced severe AQI spikes. RK Puram, in particular, recorded one of the highest levels at 398, and many other areas edged close to 400.
Authorities in Delhi have enforced a firecracker ban during Diwali for the past several years, following Supreme Court directives, though enforcement remains challenging. Some groups continue to argue that the ban restricts cultural practices, while officials emphasize that public health and safety are at stake. This year, Delhi saw the worst AQI on Diwali Day in three years, with levels significantly higher than in recent years. The AQI on Diwali in 2023 was 218, compared to 312 in 2022 and 382 in 2021.
Compounding the pollution problem, seasonal farm waste burning across northern India has intensified air pollution. Cold winter air traps pollutants from sources such as firecracker smoke and farm waste, exacerbating New Delhi’s infamous winter air quality crisis.
Neighboring states Haryana and Punjab, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh, have also seen AQI levels in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’ categories. Haryana’s AQI levels remained high, while Chandigarh reported a ‘Very Poor’ reading of 303 on Friday. The CPCB classifies AQI levels above 300 as ‘Very Poor’ and above 400 as ‘Severe,’ posing significant health risks for residents in affected areas.