# Delhi-NCR Green Diwali appeal: skip firecrackers, check AQI on SAMEER app URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/delhi-ncr-green-diwali-appeal-skip-firecrackers-check-aqi-on Language: en · Section: Weather · Published: 2026-11-08 Places: Delhi Source: PIB, "स्वच्छ हवा के लिए पर्यावरण अनुकूल दिवाली मनाएं : डब्ल्यूडब्ल्यूएफ- इंडिया ईआईएसीपी की दिल्ली-एनसीआर के निवासियों से ग्रीन दिवाली मनाने का संकल्प लेने की अपील", 2026-11-08, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2334202 WWF-India's EISCP programme, supported by the Environment Ministry, appealed to Delhi-NCR residents on 8 November 2026 to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali. The appeal is for people living in Delhi and nearby areas, where air quality is currently rated 'very poor'. ## What this means for you If you live in Delhi or the NCR, this appeal is aimed at you. Air quality is currently 'very poor' and may turn 'severe' during the festival days, so avoid firecrackers and stay indoors when the air is bad. Check the AQI daily on the SAMEER app and follow the measures being enforced under CAQM's GRAP. ## Key facts - Appeal made to Delhi-NCR residents on 8 November 2026 - Delhi's air is in the 'very poor' category, per CPCB - Air quality may reach 'severe' category during festival days - Green Diwali campaign ran from 20 October to 8 November 2026 - Campaign focused on 130 cities in 24 states and union territories - CAQM is enforcing measures under GRAP across the region ## Who made the appeal WWF-India's EISCP programme, which is supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has asked people in Delhi-NCR to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali. The appeal is part of a nationwide Green Diwali campaign. ## What the air looks like now According to CPCB, Delhi's air quality is currently in the 'very poor' category. Forecasts from the air quality early warning system say it may reach the 'severe' category during the festival days. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is enforcing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR and surrounding areas so that the air does not get worse. People have been urged to support these efforts and follow the measures. ## When and where the campaign ran Under Mission LiFE, the campaign ran from 20 October to 8 November 2026. It focused especially on 130 cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 24 states and union territories. ## Simple steps for a Green Diwali The appeal lists some easy steps. Choose traditional clay diyas and eco-friendly candles, and avoid heavy energy use. Give locally made, eco-friendly gifts with minimal packaging. Avoid firecrackers, as this cuts air and noise pollution and protects people's health. For decoration, make rangoli with natural things like flower petals, rice flour and turmeric, and try DIY decoration by giving old items a new look. Avoid single-use plastic, reuse decorations and segregate waste for recycling. ## What else was suggested Hold community activities such as tree plantation drives, neighbourhood clean-ups and environment awareness walks. Donate old clothes and usable household items to people in need. For travel during the festival, walk, cycle or use public and shared transport. ## How to check the air Check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on CPCB's 'SAMEER' app and avoid going out when the air is bad. People are also encouraged to take part in WWF-India's 'Carbon Footprint Survey' to understand the impact of their actions on the environment. ## What institutions can do Institutions and groups taking part can share details of their activity through an online form. This should include the organisation's name and location, activity details and date, the number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photos and a brief report. Selected entries may be displayed on the EISCP website and social media platforms. ## Questions and answers **What is Delhi's air quality right now?** According to CPCB, Delhi's air is currently in the 'very poor' category. Forecasts from the air quality early warning system say it may reach the 'severe' category during the festival days. **How can I celebrate a Green Diwali?** Use traditional clay diyas and eco-friendly candles, avoid firecrackers and decorate with natural materials. Also cut down single-use plastic and reuse old items. **Where can I check air quality?** You can check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on CPCB's 'SAMEER' app. Avoid going outdoors when the air quality is poor. **What is GRAP?** GRAP is the Graded Response Action Plan, under which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is enforcing measures across the NCR and surrounding areas. The appeal asks people to follow these measures. **How can institutions share their Green Diwali activity?** Institutions and groups can share details of their activity through an online form. It should include the organisation's name and location, activity details and date, number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photos and a brief report. Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.