Journalist and TV anchor Rubika Liyaquat is facing criticism on social media amid the debate over Diwali firecrackers and deteriorating air quality.

Her comments on whether it’s fair to lay all the blame at the door of firecrackers have attracted a range of responses with people on social media discussing the impact of the celebrations on public health and the need to look at other sources of pollution as well.

What Did Rubika Liyaquat Say?

A video is viral on social media X where it appears that Rubika is explaining subtle but definite advantages of the pollution layer in a country like India, which prevents harsh sun rays from reaching the people.

The journalist claims that this is not the case in European countries, where sun rays reach directly to the people. As per Rubika, there is a definite advantage if a layer of pollution hovers over a city, like it happens in India.

The video is nearly four months old where the anchor was analyzing the root cause of heat wave in Europe. In her analysis, the anchor pointed out 3 main causes of heat wave which occured in Europe this year. She opined that because of a protective layer of pollution, India does not suffer from heat wave like in case of Europe.

Why Are Social Media Users Reacting?

It was hard to find any comment which supported the journalist’s opinion where pollution layer acts as a sort of protective layer against harsh sun rays. Many netizens slammed the journalist for her opinion.

The argument has come up again in the wake of another bout of post-Diwali pollution. Delhi hit an AQI of 370 on 9th November 2026 following a spate of firecrackers being set off, even with the restrictions in place.

The experts also point to vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial emissions and crop residue burning as being part of the problem in terms of the poor air quality in the region.

Whilst some will agree that pollution has many sources and can’t be laid at the door of one festival alone, the critics would have it that the emissions from firecrackers are also a contributory factor to the problem.

“Rubika seems to be suggesting that India’s pollution comes with a complimentary SPF layer, while Europeans get the full, unfiltered sunshine experience! Who knew smog was part of India’s skincare routine? 😂😂😂😂😂” said one user

“Oh, so according to Rubika Liyaquat, air pollution is actually our sunscreen? Europe, your mistake this time. 😓😓” wrote another