During the Diwali festivities in 2025, Mumbai’s air quality index (AQI) saw a moderate rise, reaching a peak of 200. Meanwhile, cities in the north, particularly Delhi, struggled with persistent air pollution, landing in a ‘very poor’ category. Contributing factors included seasonal pollution from paddy-stubble burning and chilly nights that trapped harmful particles. In contrast, southern cities benefited from coastal winds, facilitating quicker recovery.
