Delhi woke up to a quiet and hazy Tuesday morning after a night of bright fireworks and celebrations. The air was thick, heavy, and hard to breathe as a layer of smog covered the city. At 8 am, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 350, falling in the “very poor” category.

Despite the use of so-called “green crackers” this year, the sky looked grey and lifeless the morning after Diwali, a familiar sight for the city. According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), Delhi’s AQI touched 359 at 6:30 am the day after Diwali in 2024.

In 2023, the situation was worse, the city recorded an AQI of 438 at 8 am the next morning, which fell under the “severe” category, as many people reportedly burst crackers despite a complete ban. Just a day earlier, on Diwali morning, the AQI was 269.

In the years before that, Delhi’s post-Diwali air also remained polluted:

  • 2022: AQI stood at 315 (very poor)

  • 2021: AQI touched 454 (severe) after widespread use of firecrackers despite the ban.

Every November, the air in Delhi turns toxic due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and firecracker smoke, all combining to create a dangerous mix.

Anand Vihar: Still among the most polluted spots

Anand Vihar, one of the capital’s most polluted areas, continues to reflect how serious the air quality problem is.

  • 2025: AQI was 360 at 8 am.

  • 2024: It shot up to 396, close to the “severe” mark.

  • 2023: The station recorded 312 (very poor), with PM10 as the main pollutant.

  • 2022: The AQI stood at 356, also dominated by PM10 levels.

Even with “green crackers,” the pollution levels have barely changed.

Green crackers: Less polluting or just a myth?

The Supreme Court first banned firecrackers in Delhi-NCR around 2014–15 to curb rising pollution levels. But weak enforcement and poor public cooperation have made little difference. Each year, Delhi sees “very poor” to “severe” air after Diwali.

This year, the Court allowed green crackers, hoping they would reduce pollution while protecting industry interests. However, the data tells a familiar story, air quality remains unhealthy.

Environmentalists have questioned the idea of green crackers, calling them “less poison.”

“We are talking about public health. 30 per cent less pollution is meaningless. Are you saying less poison? Do you want to feed your children less poison? I'm fighting for clean air even before my children were born, and I still managed to give them only damaged lungs,” said Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmental activist.

Curbs already in place before Diwali

A day before Diwali, on October 19, Delhi and nearby areas came under GRAP Stage 2 (Graded Response Action Plan) as air quality worsened.

Under these curbs:

  • Use of coal, firewood, and diesel generator sets was restricted.

  • Road cleaning and water sprinkling were increased to reduce dust.

  • Measures were taken to ease traffic congestion.

Despite these steps, Delhi’s post-Diwali air once again turned foul, showing how deeply the pollution problem runs.