Tue Oct 21 17:34:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Following Deepavali celebrations, Delhi’s air quality has plummeted to near five-year highs, with PM2.5 levels reaching over 400 µg/m³ in many areas. Despite the Supreme Court allowing only “green crackers,” widespread firework use resulted in a significant spike in pollution. Experts from Climate Trends suggest that low wind speeds, warm temperatures, and the volume of fireworks contributed to the severe air quality. The situation highlights the unsustainable impact of firecrackers on Delhi’s already fragile air quality.

News Article:

Delhi Chokes as Deepavali Festivities Trigger Near Five-Year High Pollution Levels

NEW DELHI, Oct 22, 2025 – Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply following Deepavali celebrations, with pollution levels nearing a five-year high. Average concentrations of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 have surged beyond 400 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) in numerous locations across the city, levels not witnessed since 2021, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The day after Deepavali, sixteen cities monitored by the CPCB, predominantly in North India and the Indo-Gangetic plains, reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300, classifying the air as “very poor.” Dharuhera in Haryana recorded the nation’s worst air quality with an AQI of 462.

An analysis by Climate Trends, an independent weather-and-climate agency, revealed a dramatic increase in PM2.5 levels in Delhi starting at 4 p.m. on Deepavali day, coinciding with the legally permissible firecracker-burning window. Levels spiked from approximately 150 µg/m³ to nearly 650 µg/m³ by 11 p.m.

While the Supreme Court had permitted the use of only CSIR-validated “green crackers,” designed to emit less smoke, their effectiveness is being questioned. “The Diwali of 2025 was one of the most polluted in recent years,” stated Palak Balyan, Research Lead at Climate Trends. “Visuals and ground data confirm that burning so-called ‘green’ crackers made no measurable difference compared to regular ones. It’s now evident that allowing firecrackers during this time of year is simply not sustainable for the NCR region’s already critical air quality.”

Factors such as low wind speeds and the high volume of smoke contributed to the crisis. “High emissions from fireworks and high night-time temperatures jointly contribute to elevated PM 2.5 concentrations,” the Climate Trends report explained.

While the CPCB is expected to release a comprehensive report later this week, experts are calling for a reevaluation of the current regulations on firecracker usage to protect public health.

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