Delhi's Air Apocalypse: AQI Enters 'Severe' Zone After Diwali Firecracker Frenzy

Delhi choked under a hazardous smog cloud immediately after Diwali, as air quality plunged into the 'severe' category, with the AQI nearing 500 in several areas. The city's pollution bulletin warned that this is the air apocalypse returning to the national capital barely hours after the festival of lights. The surge is blamed on widespread firecracker bursts, despite the Supreme Court allowing only green crackers with QR codes. Pre-existing stubble-burning smoke and vehicular emissions compounded the crisis, while falling temperatures trapped the toxic fumes throughout the city. Authorities had already activated GRAP Stage 2 measures and urged residents to stay indoors.