New Delhi has emerged as the world’s most polluted major city, with air quality reaching hazardous levels on Saturday morning, as authorities brace for further deterioration ahead of Sunday’s Diwali celebrations.
Data released by Swiss air quality monitoring organisation IQAir placed the Indian capital at the top of its global pollution rankings at 10:35 a.m., recording a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 581. The figure was more than twice the reading recorded in neighbouring Lahore, Pakistan, which stood at 285.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the health implications of worsening air pollution, particularly as firecracker displays traditionally associated with Diwali are expected to increase atmospheric pollution across the city.
In preparation for the festival, Indian authorities have directed schools in Delhi and surrounding areas to make online learning arrangements. Residents have also been encouraged to work remotely to limit exposure to polluted outdoor air.
However, IQAir’s figures differ from India’s official pollution measurements because the two systems employ separate assessment methods and scales. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an AQI of 363 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category.
Local media reports, citing official figures, indicated that Friday’s pollution levels represented the worst pre-Diwali air quality recorded in Delhi in eight years.
Multiple Sources Driving Pollution Crisis
Air pollution remains a persistent challenge across South Asia, with vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, agricultural residue burning and waste disposal contributing significantly to deteriorating air quality.
The situation becomes particularly severe during the colder months, when weak winds and stagnant atmospheric conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing harmful particles to accumulate.
Shweta Narayan, a public health expert with the Global Climate and Health Alliance, described the problem as a persistent challenge for the country.
“Poor air quality is our all-year-round problem in our country,” she said, adding that the widespread use of firecrackers during Diwali further compounds the situation.
Delhi authorities have introduced temporary restrictions targeting construction activities, industries and vehicle movements in an effort to contain pollution. Nevertheless, public health specialists argue that emergency interventions alone cannot adequately address the underlying causes of the crisis.
The city, which has a population exceeding 20 million, is also pursuing a longer-term strategy to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce transport-related emissions.
Doctors Warn of Serious Health Consequences
Medical experts have raised concerns about the potential impact of prolonged exposure to heavily polluted air, particularly among children, older people and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
Dr Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon at Medanta Hospital near Delhi and founding trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, advised residents to use properly fitted N95 or N99 masks whenever they need to go outdoors during periods of severe pollution.
According to him, exposure to polluted air can cause persistent coughing, airway inflammation and asthma-like attacks. He also warned of increased risks of pneumonia, heart attacks and strokes.
Kumar further highlighted the long-term consequences of sustained exposure, including impaired lung development in children and an increased risk of lung cancer.
He advised residents to avoid physically demanding outdoor activities when pollution levels are elevated, particularly during the early morning hours, when concentrations of harmful pollutants may remain high.
Firecrackers Raise Concerns Ahead of Festival
Diwali, which is celebrated by an estimated one billion people worldwide, is traditionally associated with fireworks and other festivities. However, the simultaneous release of smoke and toxic emissions from firecrackers can significantly worsen air quality, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
The resulting pollution does not affect only those participating in the celebrations but also exposes surrounding communities to potentially harmful substances.
Public health advocates have therefore encouraged households to consider environmentally friendly alternatives, including electric decorative lights, instead of fireworks.
Narayan urged people to reconsider the use of firecrackers during the celebrations.
“If one wants to celebrate and really enjoy the festival of Diwali, avoid bursting firecrackers,” she said.
Beyond limiting fireworks, India’s health ministry has also recommended practical measures to reduce indoor exposure to pollutants. These include minimising smoky cooking practices, installing kitchen exhaust systems that release fumes outdoors and using damp mops or wet cloths to clean household surfaces.
Such cleaning methods help prevent dust and other particles from becoming airborne, unlike dry sweeping, which can redistribute pollutants inside homes.
Experts Call for Long-Term Government Intervention
Despite the availability of protective measures, experts warn that individual precautions cannot provide adequate protection for everyone.
People whose occupations require them to work outdoors may have little opportunity to avoid polluted environments. Similarly, the financial burden of purchasing air purifiers makes them inaccessible to many low-income households.
Narayan stressed that addressing the crisis requires sustained government intervention, stronger pollution-control measures and affordable healthcare services for people already experiencing pollution-related illnesses.
While protective masks and air filtration systems can help reduce exposure, she maintained that meaningful progress will depend on tackling pollution at its sources.
“It’s our responsibility to hold our governments accountable,” Narayan said. “There’s no other way about it.”
