Since 2016, Delhi has experienced public health emergencies more than 9 times. It has been observed that the situation always worsens the day after Diwali, and interestingly, Delhi residents express regret about this situation to a great extent. But when the next Diwali comes, they don’t remember it at all and the situation becomes worse than before.

On the morning of October 21, 2025, Delhi once again woke up to the same horrific scenes that have become common for many years after Diwali. There was a suffocating blanket of smog and smoke everywhere. The poison that began to slowly dissolve amid the sound and light of firecrackers on Diwali night had contributions from court restrictions, administrative failures, and public stubbornness. The result was that by 6 AM the day after Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many areas of the capital had risen above 720.

While Delhi’s AQI was 298 one day before Diwali on October 19, 2025, meaning pollution in Delhi increased by more than 200 percent the day after Diwali. When viewed through the lens of World Health Organization standards, this was 45 times higher than acceptable pollution levels. The air pollution situation in Delhi the day after Diwali was so severe that visibility in many areas of the capital such as Safdarjung, Anand Vihar, Narela, and Punjabi Bagh dropped to less than 100 meters.

According to the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, this was the worst morning after Diwali in the past 5 years. Until now, 2021 was considered the most polluted morning after Diwali, with an AQI recorded at 556. Whereas on the morning of October 21, 2025, it was in the most severe category of 720. Although joint teams of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and police patrolled throughout the night, in just the first three hours, more than 2,700 people were found violating the permission granted by the court, while this number increased to more than 50,000 throughout the night.

Severe Air Pollution in Delhi Due to Green Firecrackers

This gives an indication of how fatal the Supreme Court’s permission for limited time green firecrackers in Delhi between 8-10 PM proved to be. By the morning of October 21, 2025, the number of patients arriving at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) experiencing breathing difficulties was 40 to 50 percent higher than usual, with children and elderly being the majority.

Although the Directorate of Education also banned physical classes in Delhi government schools for the next two days considering the severity of pollution. But despite all this, the misuse of court permission by Delhi residents was devastating. ISRO’s MODIS satellite recorded a 10 percent decrease in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana between October 19-21, 2025.

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Diwali

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent, primarily observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Its history is rooted in ancient legends, most commonly the story of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. Today, it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, family gatherings, and prayers.

Safdarjung

Safdarjung is a monumental tomb in New Delhi, India, built in 1754. It serves as the mausoleum of Safdarjung, who was a powerful prime minister (Nawab) of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Muhammad Shah. The structure represents the last great example of Mughal garden-tomb architecture, marking the end of an era before the style’s decline.

Anand Vihar

Anand Vihar is a major transportation hub and residential area located in East Delhi, India. It was developed in the late 20th century, with its large railway terminal and bus terminal officially opening in 2009 to decongest the city’s central railway stations. The area is named after Anand, a figure in Hindu mythology, and serves as a vital gateway for travel to and from eastern and northern India.

Narela

Narela is a historic town located in the northwestern outskirts of Delhi, India. It is believed to have been established during the Mughal era and served as an important trade and military outpost. Today, it is known for its bustling wholesale market and is part of Delhi’s expanding urban landscape.

Punjabi Bagh

Punjabi Bagh is a prominent residential and commercial neighborhood in West Delhi, India. Its name, meaning “Garden of the Punjabis,” originates from its history as an area settled by refugees from West Punjab following the Partition of India in 1947. Today, it is a bustling urban locality known for its markets, schools, and parks.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was established in 1956 in New Delhi as an institution of national importance by an Act of Parliament to serve as a nucleus for nurturing excellence in all aspects of healthcare. It was envisioned to provide high-quality medical education and affordable tertiary care while setting benchmarks for medical research in India. Today, AIIMS is the country’s premier medical institution, renowned for its patient care, training, and pioneering research.

ISRO

ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, is India’s national space agency, founded in 1969. It is renowned for its cost-effective and successful space missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, which made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit. ISRO’s work has been pivotal in advancing India’s capabilities in satellite technology, space exploration, and applications for national development.

MODIS satellite

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a key scientific instrument launched into Earth’s orbit by NASA in 1999 aboard the Terra satellite and in 2002 aboard the Aqua satellite. Its history is defined by providing long-term, global observations of Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere, revolutionizing our ability to monitor large-scale environmental changes. The data it collects on phenomena like wildfires, sea surface temperature, and vegetation cover has been critical for climate science and disaster management for over two decades.