Delhi air turns very poor ahead of Diwali as cracker curbs begin

Delhi’s air quality index hit 377 on Wednesday morning, placing the capital in the “very poor” category just before Diwali. Authorities have begun enforcing firework restrictions as winter pollution typically spikes when festival celebrations meet cooler, stiller weather. Residents face another season of haze risks as officials urge compliance with cracker rules and seasonal pollution controls across the city.