New Delhi, the capital of India, has taken the drastic step of shutting down all primary schools amid severe smog conditions, as the air quality plummets to alarming levels. The polluted air has not only led to concerns for children’s health but has also resulted in significant disruptions, including the diversion of flights and obscured views of the iconic Taj Mahal.
The air quality index (AQI) for New Delhi reached around 424, categorizing it as 'severe,' according to the Swiss group IQAir, which monitors air pollution globally. This grim ranking puts New Delhi at the top of the list as the most polluted capital city, surpassing Lahore, Pakistan, which has historically held this unfortunate title. The drastic increase in pollution levels has been attributed to various factors, including emissions from vehicles, industrial activity, and agricultural practices, particularly the burning of rice straw by farmers preparing fields for the next crop season.
Local authorities have instituted emergency measures to battle the pollution crisis. From Friday onward, they restricted non-essential construction activities, advised residents against burning coal for heating, and implemented measures such as sprinkling water on roads to suppress dust. Schools will now transition to online classes, as mandated by Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, alongside temporary bans on certain construction activities.
The adverse effects of the smog are becoming increasingly evident, with numerous hospitals reporting spikes in pediatric patients suffering from respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma. “There has been a sudden increase in children with allergies, coughs, and cold... and a rise in acute asthma attacks,” shared pediatrician Sahab Ram from Punjab. Many families are being forced to seek medical treatment, particularly as visibility at New Delhi’s international airport dropped to just 300 meters.
The toxic mixture of smoke and fog has also obscured the famous views of the Taj Mahal, which is approximately 220 kilometers away, as well as affecting visibility at the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism located in Amritsar. The authorities have expressed the hope of improving air quality to 'very poor' levels over the weekend, as weather forecasts indicate increased wind speeds which could help disperse the smog.
This winter haze isn’t unusual for New Delhi; the city battles severe air pollution each year as cooler temperatures trap dust and emissions from both urban sources and agricultural burning. Unfortunately, this year has seen particularly alarming spikes, with reports indicating approximately 38 percent of the city’s pollution is due to stubble burning occurring primarily in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.
Since Wednesday, persistent smog has caused significant delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with around 88 percent of departures and 54 percent of arrivals delayed. The situation has prompted strong criticism toward the government for its handling of the environmental crisis, which many argue has been neglected for too long.
Authorities are under pressure not just from the public but from scientific reports highlighting the health impacts of such poor air quality. Experts warn of long-term health ramifications for residents of New Delhi, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. One local hospital reported being overwhelmed with patients seeking relief from the intense air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for action against the city's chronic air quality problems.
Going forward, the Delhi government intends to continue monitoring air pollution closely and considers more stringent measures as necessary. With populations growing and industrial activities increasing, the challenge of controlling air quality will require coordinated efforts from both state and central governments.
