Delhi Suffocates After Diwali 2025: AQI Turns ‘Severe’, Political Blame Game Erupts

A Festival of Lights, A Morning of Smog

Just hours after the nation celebrated Diwali 2025, New Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of toxic haze. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) shot past 500 in several localities, placing it firmly in the “Severe” category — the worst level on the pollution scale.

According to data shared by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI remained “very poor” even 48 hours post-Diwali, with the Punjabi Bagh area recording a hazardous AQI of 433.

Despite a 77% decline in farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, as reported by Mint, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply — revealing that local emissions, stagnant winds, and post-firecracker residue played a major role this year.

The Numbers: Toxicity Beyond Limits

AreaAQI LevelCategoryPunjabi Bagh433SevereAnand Vihar410SevereWazirpur398Very PoorDwarka382Very PoorJahangirpuri377Very Poor

(Data as of October 21, 2025 – Source: CPCB & CAQM)

On Diwali night, PM2.5 concentrations reportedly touched 4-year highs, according to ThePrint, with spikes between 900–1100 µg/m³, nearly 100 times higher than the safe limit prescribed by WHO.

What Caused the Smog This Year?

1. Firecracker Violations Despite Ban

Despite Delhi’s blanket ban on firecrackers, reports from The Logical Indian and Deccan Herald confirm widespread use of fireworks across neighborhoods.
Firstpost reported that “green crackers” — once seen as a solution — failed to curb pollution levels, as their emission control claims didn’t translate effectively on ground.

2. Stubble Burning Still a Contributor

While the number of farm fires fell drastically this year, satellite data revealed sporadic but impactful stubble burning events in parts of Punjab and Haryana around Diwali week.
Tribune India cited opposition leaders accusing the Punjab government of forcing farmers to burn stubble, while Scroll.in reported that the Delhi government blamed its Punjab unit (AAP) for not effectively managing the crisis.

3. Weather Conditions Trapped Pollutants

The Indian Express highlighted that warmer-than-usual nights and low wind speeds prevented dispersion of pollutants.
The Hindu later reported that “wind and temperature partially rescued Delhi after AQI soared up to 100 times the prescribed limit.”

Political Reactions: Blame Game in Full Swing

As the haze thickened, political accusations flew faster than the smog could settle.

• Amit Malviya (BJP) posted on X:
  “Unless Arvind Kejriwal–ruled Punjab stops burning stubble, Delhi and NCR will continue to choke. Stop blaming Deepawali for AAP’s sins.”

• Manjinder Sirsa (Delhi Environment Minister) stated via The Statesman:
  “BJP blames Diwali and Hindus for pollution—it’s political hypocrisy. We’re focusing on real measures like cloud seeding.”

• Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress) added:
  “The air is grey, lungs are black, and BJP’s accountability invisible.”

The political tug-of-war intensified as cloud seeding operations planned for Diwali were delayed due to lack of suitable cloud conditions, as reported by The New Indian Express.

Health Impact: Delhi Turns Into a Gas Chamber

Doctors across Delhi warned of rising respiratory cases, even among children and the elderly.
According to Telegraph India and NDTV, hospitals reported an uptick in asthma, bronchitis, and throat infection cases within 24 hours post-Diwali.

Dr. Vivek Nangia, speaking to NDTV, explained:

“Delhi’s air contains a deadly mix of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs, making us more vulnerable to infections.”

Financial Express added that the impact of pollution isn’t limited to lungs — symptoms like nosebleeds, skin rashes, and dizziness are also becoming common.

Government Response: GRAP-II Measures Enforced

In response, the Delhi government activated GRAP Stage-II (Graded Response Action Plan) on Monday.
As reported by Business Today, these measures include:

• Banning diesel generators

• Regulating construction activities

• Intensifying street cleaning and anti-dust drives

• Encouraging work-from-home advisories

Additionally, Mint revealed that Delhi is considering electric construction vehicles and faster EV charging infrastructure to combat smog over the long term.

Voices from the Ground: Social Media Reactions

• @ETNOWlive: “Delhi AQI Today: Air quality remains 'Very Poor' after Diwali.”

• @CAQM_Official: “#GoGreenBreatheClean. AQI at 4:00 PM remains ‘Very Poor’.”

• @Saurabh_MLAgk quipped humorously: “Delhi should first solve the IQ problem before the AQI problem.”

Citizens posted videos showing dense smog clouds enveloping India Gate, Connaught Place, and Delhi Airport. The Quint and Scroll.in published before-and-after comparisons showing how Delhi’s skyline disappeared overnight.

Comparative Insight: Delhi vs Global Cities

While Delhi’s AQI crossed 500, Toronto had an AQI of just 2, Hindustan Times reported — showing how stark the difference was between India’s capital and global standards.

Other polluted cities like Lahore (220) and Beijing (160) still recorded better air quality than Delhi on Diwali night, according to IQAir data.

What Lies Ahead: Artificial Rain and Hope

The Delhi government plans to conduct cloud seeding operations within a week, Business Standard reported, if suitable meteorological conditions arise.
Experts, however, warn that artificial rain is only a temporary relief, not a solution to deep-rooted emission problems.

Environmentalists urge long-term interventions like:

• Transition to clean fuels

• Phasing out thermal power

• Promoting electric mobility

• Reducing construction dust and vehicular emissions

Conclusion: Beyond Firecrackers, Towards Accountability

Delhi’s post-Diwali smog crisis is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency and a political mirror reflecting administrative failures across states.

While the festival of lights unites the nation, the morning-after haze divides it — between blame and responsibility.
To truly reclaim the blue skies, India’s capital needs more than bans and rhetoric; it needs collective will, coordination, and year-round action.