‘Pollution is not a problem’: Yogi Adityanath defends Diwali fireworks

Millat Times Desk

12 November 2026 (Publish: 04:02 AM IST)

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath on Wednesday played down concerns over air pollution caused by Diwali fireworks, saying the deterioration in air quality was temporary and would eventually subside.

Speaking at a government event in Lucknow, he questioned why people were worried about pollution following the festival.

“Many people are saying that pollution has increased because of Diwali. Why are you worried?” he said.

In an apparent criticism of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, Adityanath accused political opponents of remaining silent about corruption, which he said had polluted the entire system.

He questioned why fireworks became a subject of concern when people celebrated festivals, while other issues allegedly went unchallenged.

The chief minister said his government had not imposed any restrictions on Diwali celebrations. He also said he had participated in fireworks in Ayodhya.

Adityanath’s comments came as air quality remained poor across Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region several days after Diwali celebrations on Sunday.

At 5.05 pm on Wednesday, Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 313, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Sameer application, which carries hourly data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Ghaziabad and Noida recorded AQI readings of 297 and 290, respectively, both falling in the “poor” category.

Under India’s air quality classification system, an AQI of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory and 101-200 moderate. Readings between 201 and 300 fall in the poor category, while 301-400 are classified as very poor.

An AQI between 401 and 450 is categorised as severe, while readings above 450 fall under the severe-plus category.