Diwali fireworks led to a sharp deterioration in air quality across Rajkot and Ahmedabad, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 1,000 in Rajkot and reaching 630 in Ahmedabad around midnight.
In Ahmedabad, air quality remained in the hazardous category from midnight until 3 am, with AQI readings staying above 300. Pollution levels continued to remain severe through Monday afternoon before improving slightly to the unhealthy category.
Rajkot recorded a peak AQI of 1,078 between midnight and 12.30 am, while readings in some parts of the city reportedly approached 1,200, according to available data.
The high concentration of smoke from firecrackers raised concerns over the potential health impact, particularly on children, senior citizens and people with respiratory ailments or other underlying health conditions. Residents also expressed concerns about breathing difficulties as pollution levels surged across the cities.