Delhi Faces Severe Air Pollution Ahead of Diwali 2026
Delhi Faces Severe Air Pollution Ahead of Diwali 2026
IN · Published Nov 1, 2026
• As Diwali approaches on 8 November 2026, concerns about air quality in Delhi are rising.
• Historical data from 2025 shows that PM2.5 levels in the city reached an average of 488 µg/m³ the day after Diwali, which is over eight times India’s 24-hour permissible limit of 60 µg/m³.

Impact & Risks

The high levels of PM2.5 pollution expected during and after Diwali pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Prolonged exposure to such pollution can lead to respiratory distress, coughing, breathlessness, and other health complications. The air quality in Delhi has consistently been in the 'severe' category during post-Diwali periods over the past decade, making it a recurring public health concern. Residents are advised to take precautions to minimise exposure to harmful air pollutants.

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