Ahmedabad chokes on Diwali smoke: Thaltej air quality becomes hazardous with over 1000 AQI

After Diwali celebrations, Ahmedabad seemed wrapped in a thick blanket of pollution. Late-night bursting of firecrackers — in defiance of government restrictions — turned the city’s air toxic on Monday night. On October 20, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300, entering the “very poor” category, while in some areas like Thaltej, it even surged past an “extremely hazardous” level of 1000, sparking alarm among residents.

Breathing the air in Thaltej is as harmful as smoking 9.9 cigarettes a day.

Rules flouted, air turns poisonous

The state government had restricted firecrackers bursting between 8 pm and 10 pm. However, fireworks continued well past midnight in most parts of the city. As a result, the concentration of toxic particulate matter — PM2.5 and PM10 — spiked to alarming levels.

According to data from aqi.in, areas such as Chandkheda, Bopal, Shilaj, Narol, and Science City recorded AQI levels between 350 and 500 — categorised as “severe”.

The morning after Diwali dawned with a heavy smog blanket and a sharp smell of gunpowder lingering in the air. Many residents complained of difficulty breathing and irritation in the eyes. In Narol, the AQI even crossed 850 at one point.

Experts warn of health hazards

Experts have warned, “Such dangerously high AQI levels, particularly elevated PM2.5 concentrations, are extremely harmful to the lungs. They can trigger severe asthma attacks and cause throat irritation even in healthy individuals. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer”.

They advised children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses to stay indoors for the next two to three days and to wear masks if they must step outside.

Authorities’ response and yearly comparison

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated measures such as sprinkling water on major roads and deploying anti-smog guns to curb pollution.

Compared to last year, this Diwali saw nearly a 20% rise in pollution levels. On normal days, Ahmedabad’s AQI stays below 100 — making this sudden spike a serious cause for concern.

What is the Air Quality Index?

AQI is a standard measure of air quality, ranging from 0 to 500:

0–100: Good

101–200: Moderate

201–300: Poor

301–400: Very Poor

401–500: Severe

The index helps citizens understand the air quality around them and take necessary precautions.