New Delhi (India) (AFP) - Toxic air in parts of the Indian capital of New Delhi on Monday reached more than 58 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), after fireworks for the Hindu festival of Diwali, according to air quality monitoring data.
First modification: 11/09/2026 - 17:51
On Monday morning, about eight hours after the fireworks boom, levels of cancer-causing PM 2.5 microparticles reached 879 micrograms per cubic meter in the town of Mandir Marg, according to monitoring organization IQAir, citing data from a local government station.
It is almost 59 times higher than the maximum recommended by the WHO.
Millions of people celebrated the annual festival of lights with fireworks in one of the world's most polluted capitals, compounding winter pollution caused by vehicle emissions, agricultural burning and industries.
The Supreme Court has authorized limited use of so-called "green" fireworks, designed to reduce emissions during Diwali.
But the restrictions are generally ignored, and the city was covered in explosions.
India adopted traffic and construction restrictions in recent weeks to contain pollution in New Delhi, with a population of more than 30 million.
A 2024 study published in the scientific journal The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were related to air pollution.
© 2026 AFP
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