A significant layer of pollution has shrouded northern India, with air quality in the capital, New Delhi, reaching alarming levels amid the seasonal onset of winter. The region is experiencing a typical phenomenon characterized by dense fog combined with smoke, a situation that has escalated due to environmental factors and agricultural practices.
The formation of this yearly smog, which consists of pollutants trapped by cool air, has been exacerbated by emissions from various sources, including stubble burning in the agricultural sector. As a result, New Delhi recorded its highest air quality index (AQI) this year at a staggering 484, placing it in the “severe plus” category. Additionally, Swiss organization IQAir’s real-time data reports New Delhi as the most polluted city globally, with an AQI classified as “hazardous” at 1,081. Here, levels of PM2.5—fine particulate matter that poses health risks—were reported to be 130.9 times the guidelines set by the World Health Organization.
Visibility in the region plummeted to a mere 100 meters, yet crucial transportation services like flights and trains continued to operate, albeit with some delays. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the authorities mandated that all schools transition to online classes and have implemented stringent controls on construction activities and the movement of vehicles. These measures are aimed at mitigating the impact of unfavorable meteorological conditions and low wind speeds.
The impact of agricultural practices on air quality is notable, with burning of crop residue contributing as much as 40% of the pollution in Delhi. Recent satellite surveillance indicated a substantial spike in such agricultural fires across six states, marking 1,334 incidents detected on a single day, which highlights the challenges posed by agricultural practices to urban air quality.
Meteorological forecasts predict the persistence of “dense to very dense fog” in several northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, which may further complicate the region’s air quality situation. As efforts continue to address these environmental challenges, it becomes crucial for the government and stakeholders to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and develop long-term strategies for pollution control while safeguarding public health.
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