WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre, supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has launched a Green Diwali Campaign 2026 appealing to citizens of Delhi-NCR to celebrate a cracker-free Diwali to help maintain cleaner air. The campaign runs from 20th October to 8th November 2026 under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) with special focus on the 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme across 24 States and Union Territories.
According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Delhi's air quality is currently in the 'Very Poor' category, with forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System indicating it may reach the 'Severe' category during festive days. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas is implementing measures under the Graded Response Action Plan across the region to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
WWF EIACP has invited citizens to take a Green Diwali Pledge and provided nine specific steps for an eco-friendly celebration: use traditional earthen diyas and eco-friendly candles instead of excessive energy consumption; choose locally made, eco-friendly gifts with minimal packaging; avoid firecrackers to reduce air and noise pollution; make rangolis using natural materials like flower petals, rice flour and turmeric; avoid single-use plastics and segregate waste for recycling; organize community events like plantation drives and clean-up activities; donate old clothes and usable household items to promote reuse; adopt greener mobility options like walking, cycling or public transport; and monitor daily Air Quality Index on CPCB's SAMEER app to limit outdoor exposure on poor air days.
Citizens are encouraged to take WWF-India's Carbon Footprint Survey to understand their environmental footprint. Participating institutions and groups can submit their activities through an online form that requires institution name and location, activity details and date, 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.