New Delhi woke up to a dense toxic haze on Tuesday, as post-Diwali celebrations triggered a sharp rise in air pollution, marking the start of the city’s annual smog season.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) across parts of the capital exceeded 500, ten times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. Levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles surged up to 1,800 in some districts, making the air quality “severe” and hazardous to human health.
Despite a ban on firecrackers introduced in 2020, widespread fireworks filled the skies as the Supreme Court recently relaxed restrictions, allowing “green crackers” during Diwali under limited time slots. However, enforcement was weak, with pollution levels peaking at midnight to their worst in three years.
Delhi’s smog crisis is fueled by vehicle emissions, construction dust, rubbish burning, and crop fires from neighboring states. The cool winter air traps these pollutants, creating a suffocating blanket over the city of 33 million residents.
Health experts warn of long-term consequences, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Studies estimate that Delhi’s pollution causes up to 10,000 premature deaths annually.
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