Diwali fireworks caused a sharp rise in air pollution across Uttarakhand, with Haldwani’s air quality index climbing 93 points in one week to reach 189 on 8 November, the festival day.

Pollution Control Board data showed that the AQI at Haldwani’s Jal Sansthan centre stood at 96 on 1 November. It rose to 189 on 8 November, showing the immediate difference between pre-Diwali conditions and the festival day.

Nainital recorded an AQI of 117 on Diwali. The city’s pollution level was higher than last year, when its AQI was 111.

Haldwani records its lowest Diwali AQI in 4 years

Despite the weekly rise, Haldwani recorded its lowest Diwali pollution level in the past 4 years. Its AQI was 223 in 2023, fell to 192 in 2024 and stood at 194 in 2025.

The AQI of 189 recorded this year was 34 points lower than the 2023 figure. Pollution Control Board regional officer Anurag Negi said, “Compared with 2023, there has been a slight improvement in the pollution level. The data is currently being studied.”

The figures show a mixed picture for the 2 prominent Uttarakhand locations. Haldwani’s Diwali AQI improved compared with recent years, while Nainital’s index increased from its 2025 level.

Other Uttarakhand cities also record high AQI

Pollution levels were also elevated in other cities on 8 November. Dehradun recorded an average AQI of 254, followed by Kashipur at 246 and Rudrapur at 232.

These readings indicate that the impact of Diwali fireworks was visible beyond Haldwani and Nainital. However, the available figures do not provide a comparison for every city with its previous-year Diwali level.

Noise pollution falls slightly from last year

Noise levels increased in Haldwani and Nainital on Diwali compared with normal days 7 days before the festival. The rise ranged from 10 to 20 decibels in the 2 cities.

At Mangal Padav in Haldwani, the noise level was 76.80 decibels this year, compared with 78.40 decibels last year. Sheesh Mahal recorded 72.60 decibels, while the area near St Paul School recorded 64.50 decibels.

Nainital’s BD Pandey Hospital area recorded 52.30 decibels. The figure was lower than last year’s 54.10 decibels.

The data therefore shows a slight year-on-year reduction in festival noise at the reported monitoring points, even though fireworks pushed sound levels above ordinary days.

Conclusion

Diwali fireworks lifted Haldwani’s AQI from 96 to 189 within one week, while Nainital recorded 117. Haldwani nevertheless ed its lowest Diwali AQI in 4 years, and reported noise levels were slightly below last year’s figures in both cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What was Haldwani’s AQI on Diwali?

Haldwani recorded an AQI of 189 on 8 November, the day of Diwali.

Q. How much did Haldwani’s AQI rise in one week?

It increased by 93 points, from 96 on 1 November to 189 on 8 November.

Q. What AQI did Nainital record on Diwali?

Nainital recorded an AQI of 117 on Diwali.

Q. Which cities recorded high AQI on 8 November?

Dehradun recorded 254, Kashipur 246 and Rudrapur 232.

Q. Did noise pollution rise compared with ordinary days?

Yes. Noise levels in Haldwani and Nainital were 10 to 20 decibels higher than on normal days 7 days before Diwali.