Diwali Fireworks Leave Delhi Shrouded in Smog | JQJO

Delhi woke to a toxic haze after Diwali as fireworks flouted court limits on “green” crackers and timing. The city’s Air Quality Index hit 360 on Tuesday—“very poor”—with some areas measuring about 24 times the WHO’s 24-hour PM2.5 guideline. Low winds, stubble burning and vehicular emissions compounded the smog. Reporters saw conventional crackers on sale and fireworks past midnight. A BBC journalist described smoke, the taste of ash and vanishing skylines. Authorities activated stricter anti-pollution curbs, while residents voiced resignation.