New Delhi wakes up to toxic smog after Diwali revelers defy firecracker ban

New Delhi officials banned the sale and use of firecrackers last month ahead of yesterday's Diwali festival - warning that those who flout the ban could be imprisoned for up to six months

People walk on a road towards India Gate amid smog in New Delhi today (

Image: Kabir Jhangiani/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)

New Delhi woke up to toxic smog today after Diwali revelers defied a firecracker ban and risked jail time to celebrate the annual Hindu festival.

International air monitor IQAir said harmful particles rose from PM 2.5 to 350 on the air quality index - more than three times higher than the day before.

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The reading of the particles – so tiny they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream – is more than 23 times the recommended daily maximum set by the World Health Organization.

The reading had fallen to around 145 by mid-morning, still nearly 10 times the WHO limit.

An IQAir report in 2020 found that 22 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world were in India.