Air Pollution Spikes as Emerging Urban Disasters: Post-Diwali Air Quality Deterioration and Community Responses in Tier-II Indian Cities

The rising Air Quality Index (AQI) concerns in tier-II cities in India had been a matter of policy deliberations, as it has widespread impact on health. The purpose of this study is to examine the AQI spikes after Diwali as emerging urban disasters, the causes, community perception and mitigation measures through a qualitative lens. The study employs focus group discussions involving a cross-section of citizens, local administrators, healthcare professionals and environmental activists to understand behavioural and institutional dimensions of festival-related pollution. Thematic analysis was used to interpret data to identify recurring patterns around firecracker emission, meteorological stagnation and weak enforcement of environmental regulation. Visible smog, respiratory distress and reduced visibility within 48 hours after Diwali were reported by the participants. Although there was a growing awareness about green-firecrackers, awareness about AQI was limited. Findings from the study highlight that Post-Diwali pollution surges result in short-term urban disasters with significant long-term impact on health and climate. Integrated approach involving community sensitization, stricter regulatory enforcement and localized action plans within Smart City frameworks is necessary for mitigation. To achieve urban environmental resilience, the study underscores the need to recognise air pollution disasters as cyclical, anthropogenic and preventable and positioning citizen participation as a critical lever.