Delhi Air Pollution Crosses 50 Times WHO Limit After Diwali Crackers

UPDATE - follow-up to Air pollution over 50 times WHO limit in parts of Delhi as people defy ban on firecrackers on Deepavali: Air pollution levels in parts of Delhi climbed past 50 times the World Health Organisation limit after people burst firecrackers past the Supreme Court deadline of 10 p.m. on Diwali night.

Pollution Levels

Official data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee recorded PM2.5 levels in Anand Vihar at 767 micrograms per cubic meter at 11 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, which is about 51.13 times the WHO limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. In Akshardham, the PM2.5 level reached 760.99 micrograms per cubic meter at the same time, marking roughly 50.73 times the safe limit. The level at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium touched 702 micrograms per cubic meter, or about 46.8 times the limit. PM2.5 consists of fine particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream to cause respiratory illnesses.

Overall Air Quality

Delhi's overall air quality stayed in the "very poor" category, while several areas suffered under "severe" conditions.

Context

Winter air quality in Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic Plains routinely worsens due to a mix of low wind speeds, falling temperatures, vehicle emissions, dust, and seasonal stubble burning. The Supreme Court had previously permitted green crackers for a limited window, but late-night bursting bypassed these rules.