Thick post-Diwali smog blankets New Delhi as fireworks worsen air pollution in India

On November 9, 2026, in New Delhi, India, @anu1122 shared a video showing dense smog blanketing the city following Diwali celebrations. In the video, a thick layer of grayish-green haze obscures a public roadway, severely reducing visibility. Streetlights lining the right side of the road appear dimmed and diffused by the heavy pollution, while faint bursts of fireworks remain visible above the smog, casting a pale glow over the surrounding area. The author described the poor visibility in Delhi, comparing the heavily polluted atmosphere to a gas chamber. According to reports, the severe smog followed Diwali celebrations on November 8, when fireworks added smoke and fine particulate matter to New Delhi's already elevated seasonal pollution levels. Despite restrictions on firecracker use, fireworks continued across the city into the night. Several monitoring stations recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) readings above 350, reaching the severe category in some areas. The pollution was compounded by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, and unfavorable weather conditions, including low wind speeds and stagnant air that prevented pollutants from dispersing.