The India Meteorological Department suggested some relief might occur depending on wind patterns, but ongoing mitigation efforts have shown limited success. The degradation of air quality triggered political debate, with different parties attributing causes from local management to regional stubble-burning in Punjab.
Delhi and NCR air quality worsens sharply after Diwali with severe pollution levels recorded
The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region declined sharply after Diwali, with AQI readings surpassing 400 and reaching severe levels in multiple areas including Chandni Chowk and ITO. Despite several public advisories and restrictions aimed at reducing pollution, extensive firecracker bursting combined with local emissions and seasonal weather shifts created a dense layer of toxic smog.
