Mon Oct 20 16:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Delhi-NCR Celebrates Diwali Amidst Air Quality Concerns
NEW DELHI – Diwali was celebrated with great fanfare across Delhi-NCR, as families exchanged sweets, offered greetings, and lit up the night with fireworks. Cities like Noida, Faridabad, and East Delhi saw widespread displays of fireworks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
However, the celebrations took a toll on air quality. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels soared past 400 in several areas, indicating a “severe” level of pollution. Despite a Supreme Court order permitting only “green” fireworks after a five-year ban, violations were reported in many localities, with residents using traditional, more polluting fireworks.
In Faridabad, the Deep Mahotsav organized by the Poorvi Seva Samiti at the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Nagar’s Buddhist Vihar saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, with traditional sparklers adding to the festive ambiance.
Despite the joyous celebrations, the impact of fireworks on the environment has raised concerns among environmentalists and health officials.
First Piper 