Diwali 2024: Post-Diwali Air Quality Plummets in Delhi, AQI Soars Beyond 385 | ABP News

During Diwali celebrations on Thursday night, Delhi saw a massive burst of fireworks, leading to a dangerous rise in air pollution levels. By Friday morning, the air had turned toxic, causing residents to struggle with breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and sore throats. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranged from "very poor" to "severe," with specific areas like Jahangirpuri recording an AQI of 417, Loni at 377, Pooth Khurd at 370, and several others, including Alipur, Dwarka, and Rohini, showing levels well above 300, highlighting severe air quality decline. This year's Diwali AQI was one of the worst in three years, as widespread fireworks continued despite a ban. According to hourly data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI had already hit 327 by 9 PM on Thursday. The previous day’s AQI was 328, marking the highest pollution level recorded on Diwali in the last three years. By contrast, Diwali in 2023 saw clear skies, sunlight, and a moderate AQI of 218, aided by factors like fewer stubble burning incidents, pre-Diwali rain, and favorable weather conditions, which kept Delhi from becoming a “gas chamber” that year. Historical AQI levels during past Diwali celebrations include 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021, 414 in 2020, 337 in 2019, and 431 in 2016, underscoring the ongoing pollution issues during the festival season.