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Delhi's Diwali Eve: 10-Year Pollution Record Shattered
8 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's AQI reached 369 on Diwali eve, the worst in a decade.
- Meteorological conditions predict Monday to be the most polluted post-Diwali day.
- Despite a ban, conventional firecrackers with fake green labels flooded markets.
Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali eve in a decade, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 369 on Saturday, November 8, 2026. Although slightly better than the previous day, this reading marks a significant concern for air quality. Experts anticipate that meteorological conditions are aligning to make Monday, November 10, 2026, the most polluted day immediately following Diwali in several years.
The AQI is predicted to worsen into the severe range (above 400) due to high emissions from local and regional sources, coupled with increased pollution from firecrackers and stubble burning. Adverse weather conditions, including calm winds, are also contributing factors.
Despite the Supreme Court allowing only green crackers for limited hours on November 7 and 8, conventional firecrackers with counterfeit green labels were reportedly flooding markets. Residents observed violations of the ban across Delhi-NCR, exacerbating the pollution.
November 9, 2026, is projected to be the most polluted post-Diwali day in years. North-westerly winds are expected to carry smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi. The widespread use of firecrackers, including those falsely labeled as green, is anticipated to further aggravate the situation.
While meteorological shifts could offer some respite, the overall outlook suggests a severe pollution episode. Previous years show a significant AQI rise post-Diwali, with stations like IIT-Delhi recording hazardous levels on Saturday.
