Delhi Air Pollution: It’s that time of the year again when desis openly defy a specifically laid out rule for a special occasion, only to regret defying it a day later. If you already haven’t guessed, we are hinting toward the festive season and the Government’s firecrackers ban amid the festivities. With Diwali being celebrated on two days this year, many celebrated it on October 31, while some will be celebrating it on November 01. Delhi was among the former, as most Delhiites celebrated the festival of lights- Diwali 2024- yesterday. What came after, was something that happens every year; poor air quality in the National Capital. Despite a ban on crackers, Delhi’s sky witnessed all kinds of ‘illumination’ caused by firecrackers, resulting in a worsening Air Quality Index (AQI).

As per SAFAR-India, Delhi’s AQI was reportedly observed at 359 at 6:30 AM on November 01. At 9 PM, it reportedly reached 327 in some parts of the city. For those unaware, an AQI between 301 to 400 is considered ‘very poor’. An AQI between 0 to 50 is ‘good’, while an AQI above 450 is considered ‘severe plus’.

This is not the first time that Delhi is breathing such poor-quality air, as this pretty much happens every year during the festive season that usually starts from October and ends around mid-January. So understandably, when this year’s AQI rose yet again, netizens couldn't help but react to the same on the internet. From memes and jokes to many chastising others for bursting firecrackers, the internet saw all kinds of reactions.

Take a look at some of the social media posts.

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“Delhi People: Diwali crackers don't really have an effect on the AQI. It's all crop burning. Delhi Diwali night. 6p.m. 1.40 a.m,” a user said.

“Meanwhile scenes in Delhi #AQI,” added a second person.

“*In Delhi* Me: Alexa, play a road trip song Alexa: #DelhiAirEmergency #DelhiAirPollution,” wrote a third person.

“999 AQI in large parts of Delhi on Diwali. A lot of people just don’t give a damn about the tens if not hundreds of thousands of Delhites with breathing issues and respiratory illnesses. Truly disgusting behaviour,” added a fourth user.

“Yeh Dilli hai mere yaar… Bas smog, pollution aur Bukhaar,” added another.