New Delhi, the capital of India, was enveloped in a dense, toxic smog on Monday, with air pollution levels rising to over 16 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization.
Home to over 30 million residents, New Delhi and its vast metropolitan area are frequently ranked among the most polluted capitals worldwide, experiencing choking smog each winter.
The cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, forming a hazardous blend of emissions from crop burning, industrial activities, and heavy traffic.
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Pollution levels have also surged due to days of fireworks celebrations marking Diwali, the major Hindu festival of lights, culminating on Monday night.
This month, the Supreme Court eased the total ban on fireworks for Diwali, permitting the use of “green firecrackers” that produce fewer pollutants.
In the past, this ban was largely disregarded.
On Monday, PM2.5 levels—microparticles small enough to penetrate the bloodstream and cause cancer—reached 248 micrograms per cubic meter in some city areas, as reported by monitoring group IQAir.
The Commission of Air Quality Management predicted worsening air quality in the coming days and introduced measures to combat pollution, including ensuring continuous power to minimize diesel generator use.
City officials have also announced plans to test cloud seeding over Delhi for the first time this month. This technique involves dispersing salt or chemicals into clouds to trigger rain and clear the air.
“We have all the necessary preparations for cloud seeding,” stated Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, mentioning that flight trials and pilot training are complete.
A report in The Lancet Planetary Health last year estimated 3.8 million deaths in India from 2009 to 2019 were linked to air pollution.
The UN children’s agency highlights that polluted air significantly increases the risk of acute respiratory infections in children.
