Is the air quality good in India?

As of October 30, 2024, air quality across India ranges from moderate in the far south and east coast to hazardous in and around Delhi. Most of the country, especially in the north, is experiencing unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality.

At 11 PM India Standard Time, Delhi has the worst air quality in the world, with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330, or hazardous air quality.

During Diwali which officially begins October 31, air quality typically worsens due to the use of firecrackers, agricultural stubble burning, and regular urban emissions from vehicles and industry (1).

Why is there an air quality alert in India?

An air quality alert has been issued due to high levels of air pollution associated with seasonal practices and festive activities.

Diwali celebrations lead to increased use of fireworks, contributing heavily to airborne pollutants. This seasonal spike combines with pollutants from ongoing agricultural practices—like crop stubble burning—and emissions from vehicles, intensifying the air pollution crisis in India’s northern cities (2).

While firecrackers are banned or limited in several states including Delhi, they are still in wide use (3).

What is causing poor air quality in India?

India’s air quality issues stem from a combination of sources:

• Fireworks and firecrackers: Diwali fireworks contribute significantly to the already high pollution levels. Despite bans, many residents still use traditional firecrackers.
• Stubble burning: Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn leftover crop stubble after the paddy season to prepare for wheat planting. This practice emits particulate matter that travels hundreds of kilometers, affecting air quality in urban areas like Delhi. However, crop burning has recently been reduced from last year, according to Indian agriculture ministry officials. Farmers in India and Pakistan have been arrested for illegal baddy stubble burning (4).
• Urban pollution: Emissions from vehicles, industries, brick kilns, trash burning, and construction activities add to the pollution, with Delhi’s dense traffic and construction projects exacerbating the issue.

These combined sources lead to a layered and sustained air pollution event, impacting public health and quality of life across northern India.

Are there any alerts in place?

The Delhi government and regional authorities have implemented several emergency response measures.

A ban on fireworks has been set until January 1, 2025, and a "Pollution War Room" has been activated to coordinate real-time responses to the pollution crisis. Residents are advised to stay indoors, especially during peak pollution days.

Hospitals in Delhi have reported a sharp rise in respiratory cases, and vulnerable individuals are encouraged to use N95 masks or stay inside whenever possible (5).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.