Ahmedabad woke up to a blanket of toxic smog after Diwali night, as rampant firecracker bursting pushed the city’s air quality to dangerous levels.
The average AQI crossed 300 (“very poor”), while Thaltej recorded a shocking AQI of over 1000, among the worst in the country.Despite government restrictions limiting fireworks between 8 pm and 10 pm, crackers continued past midnight, causing PM2.5 and PM10 levels to skyrocket. Areas like Chandkheda, Bopal, Shilaj, Narol, and Science City recorded AQI levels between 350 and 500 (“severe”).
Residents reported breathing difficulties and eye irritation, with experts warning that Thaltej’s air was as harmful as smoking nearly 10 cigarettes a day. Health experts cautioned that such high particulate matter levels can trigger asthma attacks and increase long-term risks like lung cancer.
The AMC began water sprinkling and deployed anti-smog guns to reduce pollution. Officials said air quality this Diwali was about 20% worse than last year, as the city’s AQI normally stays below 100.