By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Air quality in Uttarakhand improved significantly this Diwali, thanks to technology and public cooperation with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most cities being recorded in the moderate to satisfactory category, a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Drone-based water sprinkling, modern sweeping machines, and public awareness campaigns proved effective in maintain the AQI level, a state government statement said on Tuesday.
“Uttarakhand has recorded significant improvements in air quality this Diwali. Thanks to technology-based measures, administrative activism, and citizen cooperation, the air in the state’s major cities was cleaner than ever before. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in most cities was recorded in the moderate or satisfactory category, a significant improvement compared to previous years,” it said.
AQI levels of major cities recorded on Diwali 2025 (October 20):
Dehradun: 128 (Moderate)
Rishikesh: 54 (Satisfactory)
Tehri: 66 (Satisfactory)
Kashipur: 168 (Moderate)
Roorkee: 190 (Moderate)
Haldwani: 198 (Moderate)
Nainital: 111 (Moderate)
While on Diwali 2024, the level was in the poor category in many cities—
Dehradun: 269 (Poor)
Kashipur: 269 (Poor)
Rishikesh: 175 (Moderate)
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said “our aim is to ensure clean air not only during festivals but throughout the year. This year’s results prove that real change is possible through innovation, awareness, and collective participation.”*
While the national capital Delhi recorded an AQI level of 351 (very poor), Lucknow 250, Patna 226, and Bhopal 235 (poor category) this Diwali, Uttarakhand cities performed better. This reflects the state’s commitment to clean air and sustainable development.