Delhi air quality deteriorates as revellers mark Diwali with illegal fireworks

Air quality deteriorated in India’s capital Delhi on Monday, after residents celebrating the Hindu festival of lights set off fireworks in violation of court orders.

At 9 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday, Delhi recorded an air quality index of 370, categorized as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board, which considers an AQI of up to 50 to be ‘good’.

Many areas in the city of 20 million showed a reading of more than 400, categorized as ‘severe’, official data showed. India’s Supreme Court said earlier this month that only certified low-polluting firecrackers would be allowed to be used during limited hours over the Diwali weekend.