GUWAHATI, Nov 11: Air pollution levels rose in Guwahati during Diwali, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) recording a sharp increase over the previous year.
Data showed that Guwahati’s AQI stood at 80 on the day before Diwali in 2026, compared with 51 on the corresponding day in 2025.
On Diwali, the AQI rose to 108 this year from 78 last year. It touched 149 on the day after Diwali.
The use of firecrackers increased the concentration of fine pollutant particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 in the air.
The rise in pollution could adversely affect children, elderly persons and those suffering from respiratory ailments.
The increase in pollution during Diwali renewed concerns over Guwahati’s air quality and the need for more effective measures to control air and noise pollution.
