Delhi sees highest Diwali pollution in three years despite firecracker ban

Delhi experienced its most polluted Diwali in three years, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 362 on Friday. This follows a citywide ban on firecrackers, which was largely ignored during the celebrations. The 24-hour average AQI on Diwali was recorded at 330, significantly worse than 218 in 2023. Most monitoring stations reported 'very poor' air quality, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits. Despite the Delhi government's efforts to enforce the firecracker ban, violations were widespread. The weather conditions, including higher temperatures and humidity, did not help in dispersing the pollution.