WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre – Resource Partner (PC-RP), supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, has appealed to the people of Delhi-NCR to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali this year and help keep the air clean. The appeal is part of the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign 2026, running from 20th October to 8th November 2026 under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with a special focus on the 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) across 24 States and Union Territories.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's air quality is in the 'Very Poor' category, and as per the Air Quality Early Warning System forecasts it may reach the 'Severe' category during the festive days. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the region to prevent further deterioration of air quality. Citizens have been urged to support these efforts and follow the measures in force.
WWF EIACP has invited every citizen to take a Green Diwali Pledge to perform their part for clean air, good health and a pollution-free environment. It has also laid out simple steps towards a Green Diwali, as below:
Choose Eco-Friendly Diyas and Candles: Use traditional earthen diyas and eco-friendly candles, and avoid excessive energy consumption.
Go Sustainable with Gifts: Choose locally made, eco-friendly gifts with minimal packaging.
Say No to Firecrackers: Avoid firecrackers to help reduce air and noise pollution and protect public health.
Decorate Naturally: Make rangolis using natural materials such as flower petals, rice flour and turmeric, and try DIY decorations using upcycled materials.
Minimise Waste: Avoid single-use plastics, reuse decorations, and segregate waste for recycling.
Organise Community Events: Host plantation drives, neighbourhood clean-up activities and environmental awareness walks to encourage collective action.
Donate for a Good Cause: Donate old clothes and unused, usable household items to people in need, promoting reuse and reducing waste.
Adopt Greener Mobility: Walk, cycle or use public or shared transport for festive travel whenever practical.
Check Your Air: Follow the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app and limit outdoor exposure on poor air days.
Citizens have also been encouraged to take WWF-India's Carbon Footprint Survey (https://wwfindiawebgis.in/Carbon_Footprint/Carbon_Footprint.html) to understand their environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable habits. Further, participating institutions and groups have been invited to share their activities through the online form – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15hDbjbqZzeo68kNjAxeHQA_SMIQ7lUlPdvCIi-gvwdY/viewform. Each submission should include the name and location of the institution or organisation, the activity details and date, the number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photographs and a brief report. Selected entries may be featured on EIACP websites and social media platforms.