When Festive Smoke Clouds Our Cities

When Festive Smoke Clouds Our Cities

A Festival, A Nationwide Air Quality Concern

The celebrations of Deepavali 2026 were followed by a significant deterioration in air quality across several Indian cities. On November 9, thick smog enveloped parts of the country, drawing attention to the environmental consequences of firecracker emissions and the wider challenges of urban air pollution.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 404 at 4 a.m. on November 9, entering the 'Severe' category. Among individual monitoring stations, Burari Crossing recorded an AQI of 441, while Vivek Vihar registered 437.

The impact was not limited to the national capital. Mumbai's citywide AQI stood at 171, in the 'Moderate' category, while its Kherwadi (Bandra East) monitoring station recorded a significantly higher AQI of 264 at 7 a.m. Chennai's citywide AQI reached 213, placing it in the 'Poor' category. Several other cities, including Lucknow (251), Nagpur (239), Ahmedabad (230) and Pune (221), also recorded AQI levels in the 'Poor' category.

In Chennai, CPCB monitoring data recorded an AQI of 296 at Manali Village and 265 at Arumbakkam at around 9 a.m. on November 9. Separately, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's (TNPCB) Deepavali monitoring survey, covering the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. on November 9, identified Valasaravakkam as the city's most affected monitoring location, with an AQI of 343, followed by Nungambakkam (332), Sowcarpet (311) and T. Nagar (306).

These developments highlight how festive emissions can add to the existing pollution burden in densely populated urban environments.

Government Measures and Timing Restrictions

To address the environmental and public health impacts of firecrackers, the government continued its regulatory measures during Deepavali 2026. In Tamil Nadu, the State Government permitted firecracker use only between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., limiting celebrations to two hours.

The advisory also encouraged the use of certified green crackers with reduced emissions and lower noise levels. Residents were advised to avoid loud and series crackers, refrain from bursting fireworks near hospitals, places of worship and other silence zones, and stay away from fire-prone areas. Community celebrations in designated open spaces, with prior permission from local authorities, were also encouraged. The TNPCB conducted awareness initiatives through educational institutions, Eco Clubs and local administrations to promote responsible celebrations.

A note on the national policy context: The Supreme Court also issued directions on October 29, 2026, regulating the use and sale of green crackers in the Delhi-NCR region. It permitted bursting only from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on November 7 and 8, with restrictions near hospitals, educational institutions and other designated silence zones. These directions were specific to Delhi-NCR.

What Makes Post-Festival Air Pollution a Concern?

Firecrackers release particulate matter and various gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is a major concern because its small size allows it to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

DID YOU KNOW?

PM2.5: The Invisible Air Pollutant

PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles are approximately 30 times smaller than the average width of a human hair.

• They can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Firecracker emissions, vehicle exhaust and industrial activities are among their sources.
• Exposure can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The World Health Organization identifies air pollution as a major environmental risk to human health. Exposure to elevated particulate matter concentrations is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The impact can be particularly concerning for children, older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

However, firecracker emissions are only one part of the wider pollution challenge. Vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, waste burning and seasonal agricultural fires also contribute to the air pollution burden in many Indian cities.

Weather conditions such as low wind speeds and atmospheric temperature inversions can further restrict the dispersion of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate near the ground.

The Environmental Impact Beyond the Atmosphere

Air pollution is not the only environmental concern associated with large-scale firecracker use.

Increased noise levels can disturb communities and affect animals, while the accumulation of firecracker packaging and residues adds to the urban solid waste burden.

Reports from Chennai following Deepavali also highlighted challenges in the separate collection of firecracker waste, with poor public participation contributing to waste accumulation on streets.

These concerns demonstrate the interconnected nature of environmental challenges. Air quality management, responsible waste disposal, noise control and public health protection must be addressed together.

Aizawl: An Example of Quieter Celebrations

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, offered an alternative approach to Deepavali celebrations in 2026. The district administration-imposed restrictions on the sale, storage, transportation and use of firecrackers, citing concerns over air pollution, noise pollution and public health.

The city's reported AQI was 56 following the celebrations, highlighting the possibility of maintaining a relatively cleaner and quieter festive environment through community participation and responsible practices.

Aizawl's approach reminds us that celebrations and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Moving Towards Responsible Celebrations

Reducing the environmental impact of celebrations requires collective participation. Responsible consumption, improved waste segregation, stronger pollution monitoring and sustained public awareness can contribute to healthier urban environments.

Government authorities, educational institutions, industries and environmental organisations all have a role in encouraging sustainable practices.

Reliable air quality monitoring and transparent reporting are equally important to understand pollution patterns and support timely interventions.

Cleaner Air Is a Shared Responsibility

The post-Deepavali pollution episode of 2026 serves as a reminder that environmental responsibility extends beyond individual actions and seasonal campaigns.

Protecting air quality requires consistent efforts throughout the year, supported by informed communities, effective environmental governance and sustainable choices.

At IDREA, we believe promoting environmental awareness and encouraging responsible practices remain important steps towards building healthier communities and a sustainable future.

The celebrations may last for a few hours, but the responsibility of protecting our environment continues every day.

Data Sources: CPCB Air Quality Monitoring Data and TNPCB Deepavali Air Quality Monitoring Survey (November 9, 2026).