Delhi has surpassed Lahore, Pakistan, as the world’s most polluted city, with air quality reaching hazardous levels on Wednesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi crossed 1,000—well into the “hazardous” range—due to thick smog that enveloped the city, reducing visibility to near-zero and severely affecting residents’ health.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI readings in areas like Anand Vihar and Aya Nagar reached alarming levels of 413 and 428, while Swiss air quality monitor IQAir recorded AQI values as high as 991 in some locations. This persistent pollution is causing serious respiratory issues, with vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly at heightened risk.
The ongoing smog, worsened by cooler temperatures, has led to disruptions at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where low visibility procedures have been put in place. The city has now experienced 15 consecutive days of “very poor” air quality, highlighting the urgency of addressing the pollution crisis.
The major contributors to the pollution include vehicular emissions and crop-burning in neighboring states, although specific data on farm fires was not immediately available. With pollution levels unlikely to improve soon, experts are calling for immediate action to reduce emissions and mitigate the growing health risks.
(By Ankita Singh, Web Team at C6N)
