Delhi faces severe pollution as winter smog returns to the capital
The city recorded some of the highest pollution levels globally on the eve of Diwali, according to reports from BBC News and IQAir.
Delhi is experiencing a return of toxic winter air, with the city being ranked as the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning by the Swiss group IQAir. According to BBC News, the capital is facing a familiar pattern of heavy smog as falling temperatures and slow winds trap pollutants near the ground.
The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an Air Quality Index of 363 at 10 a.m., placing the air in the "very poor" category. IQAir reported a US air quality index reading of 581 for the city, which is significantly higher than the 285 recorded in Lahore, Pakistan.
To manage the crisis, the Delhi government has implemented a Winter Action Plan running from 1 November to 28 February. This plan includes banning outdoor construction, restricting older vehicles from entering the city, and asking offices to allow half of their staff to work from home.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), overseen by the federal Commission for Air Quality Management, is also in effect. The second stage of GRAP is currently active, which restricts the burning of coal and firewood as well as the use of diesel generators.
While crop residue burning in neighbouring states is a factor, The Tribune reported that farm fires contributed 15.6 per cent to Delhi's PM2.5 pollution on Thursday. Other contributors include transport emissions, construction dust, and industrial activity.
Experts, including Parthaa Bosu of the Environmental Defense Fund, noted that while planning has improved, the success of these measures depends on effective execution and regional cooperation.