New Delhi, 08 November (H.S.): In view of the prevailing air pollution situation across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) of WWF-India has appealed to people to celebrate a firecracker-free and environmentally friendly Diwali this year. The organisation has urged citizens to take the ‘Green Diwali Pledge’ in support of cleaner air, better health and a pollution-free environment.

The appeal is part of the nationwide ‘Green Diwali Campaign 2026’, being conducted under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, with the support of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The campaign is being organised from October 20 to November 8, with a special focus on 130 cities across 24 states and Union Territories under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality is currently in the ‘very poor’ category. Forecasts issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that pollution levels could deteriorate further and enter the ‘severe’ category during the festive period. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region and adjoining areas to prevent any further deterioration in air quality. WWF-India has urged citizens to comply with the measures in force and extend their cooperation to these efforts.

WWF-India has recommended several measures to make Diwali celebrations more environmentally sustainable. These include using traditional earthen lamps and eco-friendly candles, choosing locally made gifts with minimal packaging, avoiding firecrackers, and creating rangoli designs using natural materials such as flower petals, rice flour and turmeric. It has also encouraged people to reuse old materials for festive decorations.

The organisation has appealed to citizens to avoid single-use plastics, reuse decorative items and segregate household waste for recycling. It has also suggested organising community plantation drives, neighbourhood cleanliness activities and awareness walks to promote environmental consciousness.

In addition, people have been encouraged to donate old clothes and usable household items to those in need. During the festive season, citizens have been advised to walk, cycle or use public and shared transport wherever possible.

WWF-India has also urged people to check the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) through the Central Pollution Control Board's ‘Sameer’ mobile application and avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. The organisation has further encouraged citizens to participate in WWF-India's Carbon Footprint Survey to understand their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

Institutions and groups participating in the campaign have been invited to share details of their activities online. Submissions must include the name and location of the institution or organisation, a description and date of the activity, the number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photographs and a brief report.

Selected entries may be featured on the EIACP website and its social media platforms.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar