Delhi air quality worsens ahead of Diwali as firework restrictions take effect

Summary

Delhi's air quality worsened ahead of Diwali as firework restrictions came into force. On Wednesday morning, the city's air quality index reading stood at 377, in the "very poor" category, according to the BBC. Officials said the measures were introduced after forecasts suggested air quality would remain very poor over the coming days. The Japan Times reports that the capital's winter pollution worsened about a week before Diwali, when firecrackers typically intensify the haze, and that the air turned "very poor" after the city's cleanest October in years.

Timeline

1. BBC

   4 Nov 2026, 06:50 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that on Wednesday morning Delhi's air quality index reading stood at 377, in the "very poor" category, as air quality worsened ahead of Diwali and firework restrictions entered force.

2. The Japan Times

   5 Nov 2026, 01:49 UTCSource ↗

   The Japan Times reports that Delhi's winter pollution worsened a week ahead of Diwali, when firecrackers typically intensify the haze, leaving the air "very poor" after the city's cleanest October in years.