Delhi Air Quality Plunges Post-Diwali

India — Delhi experienced a significant deterioration in air quality after Diwali celebrations, with widespread firecracker bursting pushing pollution levels into the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories. Despite the India — Supreme Court of India allowing only green firecrackers during specific hours and the India — Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas implementing Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), violations were rampant. The India — Central Pollution Control Board reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 345, with several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, Wazirpur, Dwarka, and Ashok Vihar, recording 'severe' levels above 400. The Malaysia — Malaysian Meteorological Department and the India — Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology provided forecasts that informed the GRAP measures. The thick smog reduced visibility and raised health concerns, with forecasts indicating further worsening of air quality in the subsequent days.