Air of Deepavali celebrations lingers in Hyderabad with AQI remaining at hazardous levels

Deepavali fireworks caused Hyderabad’s air quality to deteriorate sharply overnight. The city woke on Monday to grey, smoggy conditions. This matters because the pollution affected many central localities and remained hazardous even after the fireworks ended. Residents reported a metallic sulphurous smell and difficult breathing.

The pollution peaked at 9.30 p.m., when PM2.5 reached 392 micrograms per cubic meter and the city’s average AQI was 509. Ravi Colony near Masjid Banda recorded an AQI of 995. At 11.30 p.m., the city average was still 442, while Serilingampally reached 666.

By morning, the average AQI had fallen to 178, but the air remained hazardous. PM10 reached 113 micrograms per cubic meter. The article also reports that Telangana Pollution Control Board monitors were out of order, so the readings came from publicly available pollution monitors.

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, summarizes pollution levels in a single number. It helps people understand whether outdoor air is clean, unhealthy or dangerous. Higher readings mean greater health risks. A hazardous reading indicates that the air contains pollution at levels that can affect many people, not only those with existing health conditions.

Hyderabad’s average AQI reached 509 at 9.30 p.m. during the Deepavali fireworks. Ravi Colony near Masjid Banda recorded 995. At 11.30 p.m., the city average was 442, and Serilingampally recorded 666. These figures show that the pollution was widespread and extreme.

People breathing hazardous air may experience irritation, coughing, breathing discomfort or worsening of existing lung and heart problems. The article specifically records burning eyes and uncomfortable breathing. By morning, the average AQI had fallen to 178, but it was still described as hazardous.

The reported pollution was exceptionally severe. Ravi Colony near Masjid Banda recorded the highest AQI mentioned: 995. At the same time, Hyderabad’s average AQI reached 509. The citywide average peaked at 9.30 p.m., showing that the problem was not limited to one monitoring location.

The highest PM2.5 reading reported was 392 micrograms per cubic meter at 9.30 p.m. PM2.5 consists of very small airborne particles that can be inhaled deeply. The article also reports that morning PM10 reached 113 micrograms per cubic meter, although it does not identify that as the night’s peak.

Readings varied across the city. At 11.30 p.m., the average AQI had fallen to 442, but Serilingampally still recorded 666. By morning, the average AQI was 178 and remained hazardous. The figures came from publicly available monitors because Telangana Pollution Control Board monitors were out of order.

PM2.5 means particulate matter no larger than 2.5 micrometres across. PM10 means particulate matter no larger than 10 micrometres. Both are small particles suspended in air. PM2.5 is especially concerning because it can travel deeper into the lungs than larger particles. This matters during intense pollution because people inhale more particles with every breath.

During Hyderabad’s Deepavali pollution episode, PM2.5 reached 392 micrograms per cubic meter at 9.30 p.m. By morning, PM10 reached 113 micrograms per cubic meter. The article also describes burning eyes, a thick chemical smell and uncomfortable breathing, showing how residents experienced the polluted air.

In general, high particle exposure can irritate the eyes and airways and worsen breathing problems. Fine particles may also affect the heart and lungs, especially in vulnerable people. The article does not report specific medical diagnoses, but its readings show why the remaining hazardous air required concern.

Fireworks were burst across several central Hyderabad localities, including Banjara Hills, Srinagar Colony, Panjagutta, S.R. Nagar, Ameerpet and Somajiguda. Their emissions therefore began in multiple parts of the city. The pollution also spread beyond individual streets because particles and gases can move through the air.

The article reports that a 20 degree celsius wind blew from the north-eastern direction. It says high AQI readings were almost evenly spread through the city. Ravi Colony recorded 995 AQI, while Serilingampally later reached 666. These readings show that severe pollution was measured in different areas, not just one fireworks location.

Wind can transport airborne pollution, while still air or limited mixing can allow it to build up. The article records that pollution peaked at 9.30 p.m. and then slowly declined through the night. Even after the celebrations ended, morning AQI remained hazardous at 178.

Hazardous AQI means the air contains pollution at levels that can affect many people. Immediate effects may include burning or watery eyes, throat irritation, coughing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. People with asthma or other heart and lung conditions may be more sensitive. These effects matter because residents may continue breathing polluted air indoors and outdoors.

Hyderabad residents described burning eyes, a thick stench of burnt chemicals and gunpowder, and breathing that felt uncomfortable. One social media user said the entire colony was still bursting crackers at 10 p.m. The city’s average AQI was 509 at the pollution peak, while Ravi Colony reached 995.

The article records symptoms and discomfort, but it does not report hospital admissions or diagnosed illnesses. In general, reducing exposure during hazardous air is important, especially for vulnerable people. By morning, AQI had fallen to 178, yet the article still described conditions as hazardous.

Fireworks create pollution through combustion. Their gunpowder and other chemical materials burn rapidly, producing smoke, gases and fine particles. The article describes a metallic sulphurous smell and says residents noticed burnt chemicals and gunpowder in the air. These emissions can irritate the eyes and lungs while they remain concentrated near the ground.

The article records PM2.5 of 392 micrograms per cubic meter at 9.30 p.m. and a citywide AQI of 509. Fireworks continued in many areas until 3 a.m., adding emissions for hours. A northeasterly wind then carried pollution across the city, with high readings recorded in several localities.

Fine particles can stay suspended in air for some time instead of falling immediately. Atmospheric movement can also spread them beyond their source. The article reports that pollution slowly dropped through the night, but morning AQI was still 178 and PM10 had reached 113 micrograms per cubic meter.