Delhi ranks as world's most polluted major city ahead of Diwali

Delhi held the unenviable position of being the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to real-time air quality data from IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring organisation. The Indian capital's poor air quality comes as forecasters warn of severe pollution levels expected in the coming days, coinciding with Diwali celebrations scheduled for Sunday.

The festival of lights traditionally sees increased pollution from fireworks and firecrackers across India, compounding the region's existing air quality challenges. Delhi regularly experiences hazardous pollution levels during winter months due to factors including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and weather patterns that trap pollutants near the ground.

Air quality experts have previously cautioned that Diwali festivities can significantly worsen air pollution across major Indian cities. The concentration of pollutants during the festival period often reaches levels classified as hazardous to public health, prompting health advisories for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Delhi's ranking as the world's most polluted major city underscores the scale of the air quality crisis facing India's capital, a metropolitan region home to over 30 million people. Environmental officials and health authorities typically issue warnings during this period, advising residents to limit outdoor activities and take protective measures.