India’s capital New Delhi is experiencing a severe smog crisis, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching the worst level for any major city in the world. The combination of lower temperatures, still wind, and crop stubble burning in neighboring farm states has contributed to the spike in air pollutants. Residents are suffering from various health issues such as irritated eyes and itchy throats as the air turns a dense grey, with AQI levels reaching around 480 in some areas.
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with 0-50 considered good and 400-500 posing a danger even to healthy individuals or those with existing diseases. A local doctor, Aheed Khan, reported an increase in cases of coughing, distress, and rapid breathing among children he treated. The air pollution has also affected recreational activities, with fewer people visiting popular parks like Lodhi Garden and India Gate, according to a witness from Reuters.
In response to the hazardous air quality, residents are rushing to purchase air purifiers. However, there is a shortage of new filters, and fresh stocks are expected to arrive by Monday. Officials have expressed concerns that the air quality is unlikely to improve in the near future. Ashwani Kumar, chairman of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, stated that this level of pollution is expected to persist for the next two to three weeks due to factors such as stubble burning, slow wind speed, and cooling temperatures.
Every year, farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop waste after harvesting to clear their fields before sowing winter crops. This practice contributes to the worsening air quality in the region. The pollution crisis has also affected Mumbai, the financial capital of India, and has cast a shadow over the ongoing cricket World Cup hosted by India. New Delhi is scheduled to host a match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Monday.
IQAir, a Swiss group, ranked New Delhi as the most polluted city globally on Friday, with an AQI of 611, categorizing it as “hazardous.” Lahore city in Pakistan followed with an AQI of 277. In response to the deteriorating air quality, junior schools in New Delhi were ordered to remain closed on Friday and Saturday, although schools in the suburbs remained open. Students were required to wear masks, which they had kept aside since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Reporting by Tanvi Mehta, YP Rajesh, Blassy Boben, and Manoj Kumar; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan
