In the wake of Diwali festivities, Delhi-NCR has once again found itself cloaked in a thick haze, with air quality plunging to hazardous levels and hospitals reporting a worrying surge in respiratory and pregnancy-related health complications. The annual festival, celebrated with exuberant fireworks and gatherings, has left a toxic legacy that is taking a serious toll on the region’s most vulnerable: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Between October 20 and 23, 2025, medical centers across Delhi and its sprawling National Capital Region saw a significant uptick in patients suffering from breathing difficulties, asthma flare-ups, allergic bronchitis, and even eye irritations. According to SilverStreak Superspeciality Hospital, there was nearly a 30% jump in respiratory complaints within just two days following Diwali. "The post-Diwali smog is particularly dangerous due to sudden, dense concentrations of pollutants. We observed nearly a 30% jump in patients with breathing difficulties, asthma flare-ups, and allergic bronchitis within just two days after Diwali," Dr. Pulkit Agarwal, Consultant Pulmonologist, told India Today.
The culprit? A deadly cocktail of smoke, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and noise pollution from widespread firecracker bursts—especially during late-night hours when atmospheric conditions trap pollutants close to the ground. This year, PM2.5 levels soared to an alarming 675 micrograms per cubic metre—a four-year high—according to data cited by PTI and IQAir. For perspective, that’s more than 56 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit. At dawn on October 23, 2025, PM2.5 levels in parts of New Delhi stood at 154 micrograms per cubic metre, more than ten times the safe threshold.
Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj, Consultant Pulmonology at Shalby International Hospital, Gurugram, explained to The Tribune, "Stagnant winter air traps smoke near the ground, intensifying exposure. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activity, wear N95 masks, and continue prescribed medications." The toxic haze doesn’t discriminate by age or health status: children, senior citizens, and asthma patients are all feeling the brunt, with many reporting persistent coughing, wheezing, and eye discomfort.
But the health crisis doesn’t end with the lungs. Eye health has emerged as a silent casualty of the smog. Dr. Arunachalam M, a senior pulmonologist at Yatharth Hospital Noida, told Hindustan Times, "Skies turn black, eyes turn red, the elderly choke for breath and respiratory emergencies flood with exacerbation—this is considered a new normal after Diwali. But it's not, and really bothersome." He described how post-Diwali air pollution is causing burning, redness, watering, and irritation in the eyes, particularly among children and the elderly. His advice? "Avoid going out when the air is bad, AQI is above 150, or simply when the sky is not clear. Wear glasses or goggles to block dust and smoke. Wash your face with clean water often, and use lubricant eye drops without preservatives to keep your eyes comfortable."
Pregnant women are facing unique risks as well. Gynaecologists warn that high levels of particulate matter can cross the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal growth and brain development. Dr. Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, told PTI, "High levels of particulate matter can cross the placental barrier, affecting fetal growth and brain development. We’ve seen pregnant women reporting shortness of breath, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure post Diwali." Dr. Yashica Gudesar, Director and Unit Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, added, "Prolonged exposure could increase the risk of preterm births and low birth weight. Pregnant women should stay indoors during poor air quality, use air purifiers at home and work, and increase fluid intake to flush out toxins." She also recommended that working women ensure the use of air purifiers in offices and cars.
As the city battles this recurring emergency, authorities are turning to innovative—if unproven—solutions. On October 23, 2025, Delhi authorities conducted a trial cloud seeding flight over the northern Burari area, firing chemical flares from a Cessna light aeroplane in hopes of inducing artificial rain to wash away the smog. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, "A trial seeding flight was done... in which cloud seeding flares were fired." The city’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, announced that if conditions remain favorable, Delhi could see its first artificial rain on October 29. Cloud seeding, a technique dating back to the 1940s, has been used globally for drought relief and pollution control, though its effectiveness remains a subject of debate among scientists. According to The Tribune, some evidence suggests it may not always yield significant results, but desperate times call for creative measures.
Meanwhile, health experts are urging both citizens and authorities to embrace more sustainable and responsible festival practices. Their recommendations include switching to eco-friendly crackers, organizing community firework displays instead of individual ones, and promoting quieter, greener celebrations. "With small, smart habits and by avoiding pollutants, we can keep our children, parents, and ourselves safe, healthy, and smiling. Prevention is always better than cure," Dr. Arunachalam emphasized to Hindustan Times. For asthma patients, he advises always carrying inhalers, avoiding smoke exposure, and consulting doctors if symptoms worsen.
Practical tips abound: avoid outdoor activities when air quality is poor, use air purifiers with HEPA filters at home, keep windows closed during heavy smog hours, and even keep indoor plants like money plants or areca palms to help improve air quality. Dietary choices can also make a difference—carrots, spinach, oranges, and nuts are recommended for supporting eye and lung health.
Despite these precautions, the city’s annual struggle with post-Diwali pollution has become a grim tradition. The Supreme Court’s recent easing of a blanket ban on fireworks—allowing so-called “green” crackers—did little to prevent this year’s spike in pollution. As the haze lingers, so too does the question: can Delhi-NCR break free from this cycle of celebration and crisis?
With hospitals stretched, vulnerable populations at risk, and authorities experimenting with everything from eco-friendly campaigns to artificial rain, the need for collective action has never been more urgent. For now, Delhi’s residents are left to navigate the smog with masks, air purifiers, and hope that next year’s celebrations will bring cleaner air—and healthier days ahead.
