As Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) hit a hazardous level of 410 on Monday, the city woke up to a thick haze. With post-Diwali celebrations wrapping up and stubble burning from neighbouring states in full swing, the capital has once again found itself grappling with severe air pollution. According to AQI.in, Delhi’s air quality rapidly dropped from 393 to 410 within 24 hours, pushing it into the ‘Severe’ category. Neighbouring cities weren’t spared either; Noida recorded an AQI of 338, while Gurugram reached 310, both in the ‘Very Poor’ range.

In an annual ritual of sorts, Delhi’s AQI plummets around Diwali each year. But this time, the decline is also linked to calmer winds and a drop in temperatures, both of which trap pollutants near the ground. With stubble burning to contribute significantly to Delhi’s pollution, the question arises: Why haven’t concrete measures been implemented to curb this seasonal menace in neighbouring states?

Cities Under the Pollution Cloud

This grim picture isn’t unique to Delhi. Agra topped the list of India’s most polluted cities with an AQI of 424. Following close behind are:

• New Delhi – AQI 408 (Severe)
• Sonipat, Haryana – AQI 391 (Very Poor)
• Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh – AQI 370 (Very Poor)
• Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh – AQI 358 (Very Poor)

In contrast, the cleanest air was recorded in Channarayapatna, Karnataka (AQI 8), and other cities like Bishnupur, Manipur (AQI 10), where the air quality is classified as ‘Good.’

Health Toll: How Bad Is It?

A Local Circles survey of 21,000 residents in Delhi-NCR painted a concerning picture of health impacts from the toxic air. A staggering 69% of families reported at least one member suffering from pollution-related symptoms such as sore throats, breathing difficulties, and persistent coughing. 62% of respondents complained of burning eyes, while 46% suffered from congestion. Troublingly, 23% mentioned increased anxiety and concentration issues, and 15% reported sleep disruptions, underscoring a broader public health concern.

The findings raise vital questions for authorities and the public: How much longer can residents endure this toxic air every winter? With such high rates of pollution-linked illnesses, are local and central governments doing enough to protect public health?

Broader Impact: The Call for Year-Round Solutions

Pollution is no longer a seasonal issue; it’s a perennial crisis that peaks in winter and post-Diwali. The pressing need for sustainable solutions has been widely discussed but rarely implemented at scale. With Delhi continuing to rank among the world’s most polluted cities, perhaps the time has come to ask more profound questions: What proactive measures can be adopted to tackle pollution consistently? Should there be stricter regulation on stubble burning in surrounding states? And will we finally see effective pollution control policies that go beyond emergency responses?

As Delhi’s residents breathe in this noxious air, these are not merely theoretical questions; they represent the need for practical, lifesaving solutions that can deliver cleaner air across the capital and beyond.