Delhi, India’s capital, faced a severe air quality crisis following the Diwali festival, as firecrackers exacerbated the city’s already toxic atmosphere. Despite a Supreme Court directive to use less-polluting ‘green’ fireworks and restrict their use to specific time slots, residents defied the orders, bursting traditional firecrackers late into the night. On Tuesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 360, categorizing the air as ‘very poor.’ The AQI measures PM 2.5 levels—fine particulate matter that can cause respiratory and other health issues. The World Health Organization recommends PM 2.5 levels should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours, but Delhi’s levels were 24 times higher in some areas. The city’s pollution problem intensifies during winter due to crop stubble burning in neighboring states and low wind speeds that trap pollutants. Although firecrackers were banned in Delhi since 2020, enforcement has been lax, and traditional crackers were openly sold in shops. Critics argue that even ‘green’ crackers, which emit 20-30% fewer pollutants, still release harmful substances. Residents reported thick smog and poor visibility, with many expressing resignation over the recurring issue. Experts fear that relaxing rules around firecrackers could undermine efforts to raise awareness about air pollution dangers. Authorities have implemented measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb emissions, but the situation remains dire.