The capital of India, New Delhi, has become the city with the worst air quality in the world due to the fireworks used during the Diwali festival of lights. Each year, the fireworks used during the festival worsen the air pollution levels in India, prompting local governments to ban the use of fireworks during the Diwali festival and winter months. Despite the ban in place, the fireworks used during the Diwali festival in New Delhi have led to an increase in air pollution.

With an air quality index (AQI) measuring 348, New Delhi is now considered the city with the worst air quality in the world today. As the air quality deteriorates, the city is covered in smog, leading some residents to wear masks when going outside. It has been noted that the burning of waste in the farms in northern India also contributes to the worsening air quality.

Air quality index values are classified as “good” in the 0-50 range, “moderate” in the 51-100 range, “unhealthy” in the 101-150 range, “very unhealthy” in the 151-200 range, “hazardous” in the 201-300 range, and “dangerous” in the 301-500 range. Despite the ban on fireworks during the Diwali festival and the threat of imprisonment for violating it, many Hindus continue to hold fireworks displays.