Delhi chokes under heavy smog as Deepavali festivities worsen air crisis

Delhi descended into a thick haze of smog on Deepavali, marking a sharp deterioration in the national capital's air quality as the festival season coincided with worsening atmospheric conditions. Twenty monitoring stations across the city recorded severe air quality readings, prompting health and environmental alerts across the region.

The Air Quality Early Warning System has issued a grim forecast, predicting that Delhi's air quality index will slip into the severe category from November 9 and persist for several days thereafter. This projection compounds concerns among health officials and residents already grappling with the annual winter pollution cycle that grips the capital.

The severe air quality poses significant health risks to Delhi's residents, particularly vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and adopt precautionary measures including the use of masks and air purifiers.

The deterioration in air quality during Deepavali celebrations reflects the ongoing challenge Delhi faces in managing pollution during the winter months, when meteorological conditions trap pollutants near ground level. Environmental experts have attributed the crisis to a combination of factors including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal agricultural burning in neighbouring states.