Delhi's air quality declines as residents ignore firecracker ban during Diwali

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated significantly as residents ignored a government ban on firecrackers during Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 348, classified as "hazardous," with some areas reporting PM2.5 levels as high as 900 micrograms per cubic meter. Despite the ban, many residents continued to set off fireworks, citing tradition. The Delhi government has struggled to enforce the ban since its introduction in 2017, and air quality worsened overnight, making Delhi the most polluted city globally by Friday morning. In response to the pollution crisis, the Delhi government activated stage 2 of its Graded Response Action Plan, which includes halting construction and deploying mobile smog guns. Authorities are increasing monitoring efforts to ensure compliance with pollution control measures.