New Delhi: Ignoring a citywide ban on firecrackers, New Delhi has claimed the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted city, with an air quality index (AQI) skyrocketing to a hazardous 348, according to Swiss air quality tracker IQ Air. The severe pollution has blanketed the city in thick smog, drastically reducing visibility and posing serious health risks.
The firecracker ban, intended to counter the annual Diwali pollution spike, fell short as residents defied the rules, adding to an already toxic mix of pollutants from vehicles, construction dust, and crop-burning activities in nearby states. As a result, cases of respiratory issues and pollution-related health problems have spiked, straining city hospitals.
Environmentalists are calling for tougher action and stricter enforcement as the Delhi government grapples with the escalating crisis. Authorities have advised residents, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor exposure and wear masks for added protection. In light of the ongoing emergency, the government is likely to intensify penalties and restrictions to bring down the dangerously high pollution levels.
