Andhra Pradesh Urged to Celebrate a Cracker-Free Green Diwali

WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, has appealed to the people of Andhra Pradesh to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali this year.

The appeal is part of the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign 2026 (20 October – 8 November), under the Government of India's Mission LiFE. The campaign focuses on the 13 cities of Andhra Pradesh covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Anantapur, Chittoor, Eluru, Kadapa, Ongole, Rajahmundry, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.

Why it matters

Firecrackers release fine dust (PM2.5 and PM10), toxic gases and heavy metals. In early winter, calm air traps this smoke near the ground for days. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart conditions suffer the most. Crackers also cause burns and fires, and they frighten animals and birds.

Clean air efforts are working. In FY 2025-26, 108 of the 130 NCAP cities across India recorded lower dust (PM10) levels than in 2017-18. Avoiding crackers is a simple way for every family to protect these gains.

What citizens can do

• Say no to firecrackers
• Light earthen diyas and LED lights
• Make rangoli with flowers, rice flour and turmeric
• Avoid single-use plastic and never burn waste
• Choose local, eco-friendly gifts
• Walk, cycle or use public transport
• Check your city's daily AQI on the SAMEER app

Take the Pledge

Schools, colleges, resident welfare associations and community groups are invited to take the Green Diwali Pledge and share photos of their activities.

SAMEER App (CPCB)

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cpcb&pcampaignid=web_share
• iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/sameer-indias-aqi/id1186664744

Carbon Footprint Survey: https://wwfindiawebgis.in/Carbon_Footprint/Carbon_Footprint.html

Share your activities: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15hDbjbqZzeo68kNjAxeHQA_SMIQ7lUlPdvCIi-gvwdY/viewform

This Diwali, celebrate with light, not smoke. Let Andhra Pradesh breathe clean air.

Swachh Pawan, Neel Gagan