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New Delhi, India woke up to a severe air pollution crisis as a thick layer of toxic haze enveloped the city, prompting authorities to close some schools for two days. The air quality index (AQI) reached the "severe" category in multiple parts of the Indian capital.
This annual phenomenon, known as the Delhi smog, occurs in the winter when cold, dense air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke from crop stubble burning in neighboring states. These factors contribute to a surge in respiratory illnesses among the city's 20 million residents.
The air quality deteriorated significantly, with residents reporting eye irritation, itchy throats, and a dense grey atmosphere. The AQI reached around 480 at some monitoring stations in the city. An AQI of 0-50 is considered good, while a range of 400-500 poses a danger to both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.
On Friday, New Delhi topped a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities, with an AQI of 611, categorizing it as "hazardous" according to the Swiss group IQAir.
Unfavorable meteorological conditions, an increase in agricultural fires, and north-westerly winds carrying pollutants into Delhi were identified as the major factors contributing to the sudden spike in AQI by the region's Commission for Air Quality Management.
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As a response to the crisis, authorities ordered primary and elementary schools to remain closed on Friday and Saturday. Construction activities in the region have also been suspended.
Source: Business Today
The surge in air pollution has led to a sudden increase in demand for air purifier filters, causing shortages in the region.
This year, the worsening air quality has cast a shadow over the cricket World Cup hosted by India, with Mumbai also experiencing a spike in pollution levels. New Delhi is scheduled to host a World Cup match on Monday between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
In the previous year, Bhiwadi in northern India held the unenviable title of the country's most polluted city and was ranked third globally, according to IQAir. New Delhi was ranked fourth, while cities like Lahore in Pakistan and Hotan in China topped the list of the most polluted places on the planet.
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