📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pratitimajumdar
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Mumbai Air Quality Index Surges Past 400 Amid Diwali Firecracker Blast
✍️ News9live
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 05:38 AM
👁 12
Mumbai's air quality index spiked to over 400 during Diwali celebrations, prompting actress Bhumi Pednekar to condemn the use of firecrackers after reports of houses catching fire.
Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) crossed the hazardous threshold of 400 on Diwali night, marking one of the worst pollution episodes the city has seen in recent years. The spike was attributed largely to the widespread use of firecrackers, which released large amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere.
Local authorities reported that several houses in densely populated neighbourhoods caught fire due to the ignition of firecracker residue, leading to property damage and injuries. Residents in affected areas were advised to seek immediate medical attention and to evacuate if possible.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar took to social media to criticize the tradition, calling the use of firecrackers “unnecessary and dangerous.” She urged people to adopt safer ways of celebrating the festival and highlighted the health risks posed by high pollution levels.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued a warning for the next few days, urging citizens to stay indoors and use air purifiers. Police have also increased patrols to enforce restrictions on firecracker sales in certain markets.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high AQI levels can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, especially among vulnerable populations. The incident has reignited discussions about stricter regulations on firecracker usage during festivals.
Local authorities reported that several houses in densely populated neighbourhoods caught fire due to the ignition of firecracker residue, leading to property damage and injuries. Residents in affected areas were advised to seek immediate medical attention and to evacuate if possible.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar took to social media to criticize the tradition, calling the use of firecrackers “unnecessary and dangerous.” She urged people to adopt safer ways of celebrating the festival and highlighted the health risks posed by high pollution levels.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued a warning for the next few days, urging citizens to stay indoors and use air purifiers. Police have also increased patrols to enforce restrictions on firecracker sales in certain markets.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high AQI levels can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, especially among vulnerable populations. The incident has reignited discussions about stricter regulations on firecracker usage during festivals.