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Health
Indore's AQI Surpasses 1700 on Diwali Night, Joins World's Most Polluted Cities
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 09 Nov 2026, 11:31 AM
👁 14
On Diwali night, Indore's air quality index rose above 1700, placing the city among the world's most polluted locations, according to the CPCB.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an air quality index (AQI) exceeding 1700 in Indore during the midnight hours of Diwali, a level classified as hazardous and comparable to the most polluted cities worldwide. Local monitoring stations in Chhoti Gwaltoli and Magoda Nagar reported AQI readings of 338 and 316 respectively, underscoring the severe deterioration of air quality across the city.
Health officials warned that the toxic air turned residential areas into "gas chambers," with children and senior citizens experiencing acute breathing difficulties. Hospitals in the region reported a surge in respiratory complaints, and authorities advised vulnerable groups to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
The spike follows the traditional use of firecrackers during the festival, which released large quantities of particulate matter and harmful gases. The CPCB urged the state government to enforce stricter emission controls and to promote cleaner celebration methods to prevent similar health crises in future festivals.
Health officials warned that the toxic air turned residential areas into "gas chambers," with children and senior citizens experiencing acute breathing difficulties. Hospitals in the region reported a surge in respiratory complaints, and authorities advised vulnerable groups to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
The spike follows the traditional use of firecrackers during the festival, which released large quantities of particulate matter and harmful gases. The CPCB urged the state government to enforce stricter emission controls and to promote cleaner celebration methods to prevent similar health crises in future festivals.