Story perspectives

New Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to Hazardous Post-Diwali

10/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Air quality in New Delhi deteriorated to hazardous levels after Diwali on October 21, 2025.
The Swiss firm IQAir reported an AQI of 442, the highest among major cities.
Officials attribute the spike to widespread firecracker use, despite a ruling for limited 'green firecrackers'.
The Central Pollution Control Board rated air quality as 'very poor' with an AQI of 350.
Lahore, Pakistan, recorded the second-worst air quality, prompting emergency measures.

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Story summary

Air quality in New Delhi deteriorated to hazardous levels after Diwali on October 21, 2025.
The Swiss firm IQAir reported an AQI of 442, the highest among major cities.
Officials attribute the spike to widespread firecracker use, despite a ruling for limited 'green firecrackers'.
The Central Pollution Control Board rated air quality as 'very poor' with an AQI of 350.
Lahore, Pakistan, recorded the second-worst air quality, prompting emergency measures.