How Diwali Crackers Blow Air Pollution Numbers Through the Roof
Every Diwali, the air quality across Indian cities nosedives. Despite awareness campaigns and legal restrictions, firecracker use continues to spike PM2.5 levels, making the air unsafe to breathe within hours of celebration. The Diwali air pollution crisis isn’t new—but the data shows just how severe it gets, year after year.
This article breaks down the environmental cost of Diwali crackers, using recent air quality index (AQI) data, real-time pollution spikes, and expert insights.
Pollution Peaks Within Hours of Cracker Bursting
Every year, Diwali night sees a sudden spike in PM2.5 and PM10 levels, especially in urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Kolkata. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels often jump from “moderate” to “severe” in less than six hours.
For example, in Delhi, AQI climbed from 220 on Diwali morning (moderate) to over 450 (severe) by midnight in 2023. In 2022, the post-Diwali AQI averaged 312, while in 2023, it was 218. This year, it breached 328 again, despite the sale of “green crackers.”
Charts from SAFAR and CPCB clearly show these trends:
- A sudden PM2.5 spike after 6 p.m.
- AQI staying at hazardous levels for 24–48 hours post Diwali
- Marginal improvement only if wind speed increases or rain follows
What’s worse, the impact lingers. Particulate matter remains suspended in the air, mixing with fog, and creating toxic smog that irritates lungs and triggers respiratory distress.
Green Crackers: A Solution or Just a Smokescreen?
In response to rising concerns, the Indian government has promoted green crackers, claiming they emit 30% fewer pollutants. However, real-world data suggests that green crackers have not made a significant dent in pollution levels.
Despite their “eco” branding, most green crackers still release fine particles and harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Moreover, enforcement is weak, with illegal crackers easily available in many markets.
Environmental experts argue that unless firecracker use is strictly regulated or replaced with alternatives, gains from vehicle emission norms and construction bans during winter will continue to be undone during Diwali.
NewsHasghag operates a 24/7 news bureau that tracks the real-time, social media-driven stories from India and around the world, keeping you ahead of the day’s key talking points. Our digital-first approach transforms storytelling through the seamless integration of data, interactive charts, video, and audio into every narrative.
