Delhi Becomes World’s Most Polluted City

Following the Diwali celebrations on October 31, India’s capital, New Delhi, has again topped the global pollution rankings as the most polluted city worldwide. The Swiss air quality technology company IQAir reported New Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) at 388 in Anand Vihar, a reading that signifies hazardous air conditions.

Despite government efforts to restrict firecracker use, the city’s pollution levels surged to alarming levels in various locations, posing serious health risks to the millions residing in the national capital region.

Diwali Celebrations and the Rise in Pollution

Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated across India with vibrant displays, festivities, and, traditionally, firecrackers. However, the dense clouds of smog that often settle over cities following the celebrations raise concerns about air quality.

This year, the Delhi government proactively banned the use of crackers due to the already high levels of pollution recorded across the city. Unfortunately, this restriction was overlooked by many, leading to a post-festival spike in pollution.

Firecracker-related pollutants combined with Delhi’s pre-existing industrial and vehicular emissions, and the annual stubble burning in neighboring states to create an environment of “very poor” air quality. The AQI levels in specific parts of Delhi, such as Jahangirpuri and Dwarka, were recorded at 390 and 376, respectively, signifying hazardous health risks.

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The city’s air quality remains a critical concern, as high pollution levels are linked to respiratory ailments and other health problems. The effects of breathing such polluted air can be seen in the growing number of respiratory illnesses among residents, particularly affecting children and the elderly.

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To mitigate the long-term health consequences, the city’s authorities have initiated programs such as restricting certain industrial activities and implementing vehicle emission controls. Despite these measures, Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, with post-Diwali pollution levels acting as a stark reminder of the urgency to combat pollution effectively.

Top Ten Most Polluted Cities in the World Post-Diwali

According to IQAir’s real-time pollution rankings, Delhi ranked as the world’s most polluted city on November 1.

The report highlights other urban centers facing similar air quality issues, underscoring the widespread nature of this environmental challenge. Below is a list of the ten cities with the highest pollution levels recorded on the morning after Diwali.

Rank	City	Country
1	Delhi	India
2	Lahore	Pakistan
3	Beijing	China
4	Dhaka	Bangladesh
5	Wuhan	China
6	Mumbai	India
7	Kathmandu	Nepal
8	Baghdad	Iraq
9	Dubai	United Arab Emirates
10	Karachi	Pakistan

The table reveals that several South Asian cities, including Lahore, Dhaka, and Karachi, also faced significant air quality issues. Urban pollution remains a global challenge, particularly in densely populated cities where industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and other human activities continuously contribute to the deterioration of air quality. Given this context, the struggles of cities like Delhi reflect a larger, interconnected issue affecting millions across various regions.

Minister’s Praise Amidst Alarming Air Quality

Despite the grim air quality statistics, Delhi’s environment minister, Gopal Rai, commended the city’s residents for celebrating Diwali “responsibly.” Expressing satisfaction over the fact that Delhi’s AQI did not fall into the “severe” category, he remarked that the pollution levels remaining in the “very poor” range represented a controlled outcome.

According to Rai, the efforts made by Delhi’s citizens and various government departments helped prevent air quality from worsening further, highlighting collective action as a significant factor in maintaining these levels.

The minister’s congratulatory remarks underscore the difficult balancing act faced by the government, caught between enforcing strict anti-pollution measures and respecting the cultural traditions that Diwali represents.

Yet, experts suggest that more robust and sustained efforts are essential to reduce pollution levels consistently. Delhi’s recurring struggles with air quality raise questions about the effectiveness of temporary measures like cracker bans and point to a need for comprehensive, year-round policies to address the root causes of pollution.