# Delhi Diwali Pollution: Vehicles vs Crackers

> Delhi's air pollution on Diwali shows vehicles contribute 19% to PM2.5, while fireworks cause sharp spikes.
- Title: Delhi Diwali Pollution: Vehicles vs Crackers · Indiatimes
- Summary: Delhi's air pollution on Diwali shows vehicles contribute 19% to PM2.5, while fireworks cause sharp spikes.
- Keywords: delhi, diwali, pm2.5, vehicles, crackers, air pollution, iitm, diwali pollution, delhi pollution, india, Indiatimes
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/crackers-versus-vehicles-what-really-contributes-to-delhis-diwali-pollution/articleshow/135671087.cms
- Author: Biju Mathew
- Published: 2026-11-09T04:53:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: delhi, diwali, pm2.5, vehicles, crackers, air pollution, iitm, diwali pollution, delhi pollution, india, news
## Vehicles: Endless Pollution Source
Vehicles and transport emissions contributed 19% to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on November 8, the largest identified source.
## Daily Emissions vs Diwali Spike
Vehicles accounted for 25% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on October 24, while fireworks caused sharp spikes in particulate levels.
## Diwali Pollution Spike
Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration reached 760.99 micrograms per cubic meter at Akshardham at 11pm on November 9.
## Severe Air Quality
50 of 54 monitoring stations reported AQI above 300, with 15 entering the severe category on Diwali.
## Weather Impact
Low wind speeds and temperature inversion trap pollutants, making dispersion difficult during Diwali.
## Combined Emissions
Fireworks add to existing pollution from vehicles, industry, dust and regional sources.
## Why Vehicles Matter
Vehicular emissions persist year-round, unlike fireworks which cause short-term spikes.
## Diwali AQI Trends
Delhi’s AQI averaged 376 on Diwali November 8, from 369 a day earlier and 368 at 7am on November 9.
## The Real Problem
Sustained improvement requires curbing transport emissions, controlling road dust and industrial pollution.
## Diwali Pollution Data
IITM’s Decision Support System (DSS) estimated vehicles contributed 19% to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on November 8.
## Cracker Impact
Firecrackers emit fine particles and gases that degrade air quality quickly.
## Long-Term Solution
One night of action cannot fix year-long air pollution problems in Delhi.
## Regional Coordination
Improving regional coordination is needed to address Delhi’s air pollution effectively.
## Diwali Pollution Sources
Secondary organic aerosols contributed 18.4%, secondary inorganic aerosols 16.5%, road dust 10.9% and waste burning 5%.
## Air Quality Warning
Air Quality Early Warning System says dispersion is difficult when ventilation index is below 6,000 square meters per second.
## Diwali Pollution Challenge
Cracker restrictions can curb festive spikes but sustained improvement requires year-round solutions.
## Key takeaway

Vehicles and transport emissions contributed 19% to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on Diwali, with fireworks causing sharp spikes.