New Delhi’s skies turned a thick, gray haze after residents lit firecrackers to celebrate Diwali, pushing the city’s air quality into the “severe” range. Air monitors recorded an index above 350 on Monday, a level that the World Health Organization warns can pose serious health risks.
Despite a Supreme Court order last month that limited fireworks to environmentally friendly “green” options for only three hours on Saturday and Sunday, many citizens ignored the restrictions. The resulting smoke released fine particulate matter that lingered over the capital for days.
Data from air‑quality stations showed that pollution levels spiked to more than 30 times the WHO’s daily limit just days before the festival. New Delhi, home to 30 million people, already ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals, a problem that worsens in winter when cold temperatures, low wind speeds and stagnant air trap pollutants close to the ground.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, vehicles contribute 23 % of the city’s winter pollution, while biomass burning—such as farm stubble fires—adds another 20 %. The combination of these sources creates a dense haze that can persist for several days.
Health officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure during high‑pollution days and to use masks if they must go outside. The government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the firecracker restrictions and to exploring additional measures to reduce winter smog.
Source: Al Jazeera
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