Thiruvananthapuram Faces Severe Air Pollution on Diwali; Delhi Also Suffers
Thiruvananthapuram, October 20, 2025: Following in the footsteps of Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram is currently grappling with a dangerously poor Air Quality Index (AQI). On Diwali morning, the AQI in the Kerala capital registered 205, placing it in the severe category, which is highly detrimental to human health. The city’s air quality is notably worse than that of major metropolitan areas like Chennai and Mumbai. This significant deterioration is primarily attributed to the widespread bursting of firecrackers on Diwali night.
Simultaneously, the national capital, Delhi, also experienced a day of suffocating air due to severe pollution during the Diwali festivities. The overall AQI in Delhi was recorded at 335 at 8 AM, a level deemed very poor. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) cited the extensive use of firecrackers by residents as the main reason for the acute air quality degradation.
Further details from the CPCB indicated that at 8 AM, the AQI across the city stood at 337. Anand Vihar, a locality within Delhi, registered an alarming AQI of 417, categorizing it under the ‘Severe’ bracket. The entire Delhi-NCR region faced very poor air quality, with high pollution levels also reported in surrounding areas. Noida in Uttar Pradesh recorded an AQI of 329, Greater Noida 287, and Ghaziabad 333. In Haryana, Gurugram’s AQI was 245, and Ballabhgarh’s was 305.
In response to the escalating air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Sunday. This measure builds upon Stage I, which has been in effect since October 14, with a primary focus on intensified dust control efforts.
The Supreme Court had previously issued conditional permission for the sale and bursting of green crackers within the Delhi-NCR region during Diwali. These green crackers, developed by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), are touted to generate 30% less pollution compared to conventional firecrackers. They are formulated with reduced quantities of harmful chemicals such as barium and aluminum and incorporate special additives designed to control both dust and smoke emissions.