Hyderabad: Hyderabad air pollution worsened sharply after Diwali celebrations, with fireworks pushing particulate matter levels to alarming readings across several parts of the city. The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly touched 509 at 9.30 pm on Diwali night. By Monday morning, however, the average AQI had fallen to 160 points.
The impact was particularly severe in the western IT corridor, where some localities recorded AQI levels above 600. The figures raised concerns over deteriorating air quality in a city already facing pollution from traffic, construction activity and industrial emissions.
Firecrackers continued well past midnight in several neighbourhoods during the festival. Banjara Hills, Srinagar Colony, Panjagutta, SR Nagar, Ameerpet and Somajiguda witnessed extensive fireworks. Consequently, smoke and fine dust particles accumulated in the air.
PM2.5 concentration reached 392 micrograms per cubic metre at the reported peak. This was far above the cited normal limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. Similarly, PM10 levels climbed to 326 micrograms per cubic metre against the stated limit of 100 micrograms.
Hyderabad air pollution figures raise concerns alongside Delhi crisis
The situation in Delhi was even more severe. Dense smog covered parts of the national capital, causing serious difficulties for residents. According to pollution monitoring data, PM2.5 concentration in Punjabi Bagh reached 993 micrograms per cubic metre in the early hours of November 9.
This reading was nearly 66 times the World Health Organisation’s 24-hour guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic metre. Meanwhile, RK Puram recorded pollution levels 61.6 times the guideline, while Vivek Vihar registered 58.2 times the benchmark.
Delhi’s AQI reached 441 at Burari Crossing and 430 in Rohini. However, monitoring data from Anand Vihar and Bawana were unavailable, leaving the full picture of pollution in those areas unclear.
In Hyderabad, growing vehicle numbers and dust from construction sites have already contributed to deteriorating air quality. Road dust and industrial emissions have added to the burden. Diwali fireworks further intensified the problem.
Environmental concerns have therefore grown over the city’s worsening pollution levels. Experts and environmentalists warned that Hyderabad could face a situation similar to Delhi if authorities fail to respond promptly to the rising pollution.