Why Delhi Looked Less Hazy This Diwali Despite Worse Air Quality

Every year, post-Diwali, Delhi gets shrouded by thick layers of smog. This year was no different, with the city's air quality index (AQI) being higher than last year.Yet, unlike previous years, visibility in the national capital and surrounding areas did not appear to be as bad.

So, where did the pollution go?Delhi's Air Was Already Worse Before DiwaliAccording to a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, the average PM2.5 concentration during the week before Diwali stood at 236 micrograms per cubic metre, almost double the 120 ug/m3 recorded in 2025. It was also the highest pre-Diwali average in three years.On November 8, the day of Diwali, Delhi recorded an AQI of 376, compared with 345 on October 20 last year.

PM2.5 levels also increased from 237 ug/m3 in 2025 to 257 ug/m3 this year. The AQI had already reached 369 a day before Diwali, while it was 344 the day after the festival.Stubble Burning Not The Only ReasonFarm fires added to the pollution burden.