Delhi’s air may turn ‘Severe’ this Diwali: WWF-India urges a cracker-free festival

WWF-India has appealed to people in Delhi-NCR to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali, as the capital's air sits in the "Very Poor" category and could worsen to "Severe" over the festival days.

The appeal comes from WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre, supported by the Environment Ministry, and is part of the Green Diwali Campaign 2026 under Mission LiFE. The campaign ran from 20 October to 8 November and focuses on the 130 cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme across 24 states and Union Territories.

The air quality picture

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's air is "Very Poor". Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System say it may reach "Severe" during the festive days. The Commission for Air Quality Management is enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan across the region.

What citizens are asked to do

WWF-India invited people to take a Green Diwali Pledge and listed simple steps:

• Use earthen diyas and eco-friendly candles.
• Say no to firecrackers.
• Make rangolis from natural materials such as flower petals, rice flour and turmeric.
• Minimise waste and avoid single-use plastics.
• Walk, cycle or use public transport for festive travel where practical.
• Check the daily Air Quality Index on the CPCB's SAMEER app.

The release is an appeal; it sets no new restrictions.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (08 NOV 2026 2:51PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Green Diwali for Cleaner Air: WWF-India EIACP appeals to citizens of Delhi-NCR to take the Green Diwali Pledge.