Chandigarh, the November 9, 2026-To reduce air and noise pollution, the Chandigarh Administration had issued guidelines for firecracker use during Diwali and other festivals. Residents were permitted to burst only green firecrackers, which are formulated to emit fewer particulate pollutants, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM on Diwali night. The people of Chandigarh responded with commendable discipline.

The evening before Diwali was calm, and air quality was comparable to that of a normal day. On Diwali, most residents kept to the two-hour window, and the quantity of firecrackers burst was considerably lower than in previous years.

Air quality and noise levels were monitored at six locations on two days: a normal day (1 November 2026) and Diwali day (8 November 2026). Air quality is expressed through the Air Quality Index (AQI), a scale in which higher values indicate greater pollution.

On Diwali, air quality remained in the “Satisfactory” category before 8:00 PM, when the permitted bursting window began. A temporary rise in AQI was expected once firecrackers were burst. Because firecracker bursting was confined to the permitted two hours, the rise was short-lived. Air quality began to recover soon after the window closed and returned to the “Satisfactory” category (AQI 51–100) by 3:00 AM on 9 November 2026, helped by favourable weather conditions. The CPCC thanks the citizens of Chandigarh for their sensible and responsible celebration.

During the bursting window, AQI rose at all six locations, as was expected. It stayed in the “Moderate” category at Sector 22 (AQI 158) and Sector 17 (AQI 170). At Sector 53 (AQI 304), IMTECH-39 (AQI 310), PEC-12 (AQI 312) and Sector 25 (AQI 326), it briefly reached the “Very Poor” category. No location reached the “Severe” category. The rise was short-lived, and air quality returned to the “Satisfactory” category by 3:00 AM on 9 November 2026. Sector 17, Sector 22 and IMTECH-39 recorded better air quality than on Diwali 2025.

Compared to last three years, Diwali air quality in 2026 was better at most locations, which shows growing environmental awareness, especially among young people and school children. The CPCC and other stakeholders will continue their campaigns for eco-friendly celebrations, including the “Green Diwali” initiative in schools.

Noise levels were higher on Diwali than on a normal day, as expected during the bursting period. Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, the highest level was recorded at IMTECH-39 {83.9 dB(A)} and the lowest at Sector 53 {61.2 dB(A)}. At most locations, noise levels came down after the permitted window.

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