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Bengaluru's Diwali Smog: Air Quality Plummets 44%
11 Nov
Summary
- Bengaluru's air quality declined 44% compared to last year post-Diwali.
- Central Silk Board and Hebbal were pollution hotspots with high AQI readings.
- Increased firecracker sales contributed significantly to the pollution.
Air quality in Bengaluru has significantly worsened following the recent three-day Diwali festival, with readings showing a 44% decline compared to the previous year. The Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 141 in 2026, classifying the air as 'moderate,' a sharp contrast to the 'satisfactory' level of 98 recorded in 2025.
Several areas emerged as pollution hotspots, including Central Silk Board junction (AQI 187), Hebbal (184), and Hombegowda Nagar (175). The city's air quality entered the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 102 by midnight on the first day of celebrations, a significant increase from 82 in 2025. Pollution levels remained high for the subsequent two days, with the AQI reaching 135 and then peaking at 141.
Forest, environment, and ecology minister Ramalinga Reddy attributed the heightened pollution to a 20% increase in firecracker sales this year. Unlike previous years where 35% of inventory often remained unsold, this year saw only 8% unsold stock. The dry weather conditions also encouraged more people to light firecrackers, leading to the elevated levels of PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide in the air.
