Delhi faced an unprecedented air emergency this week as its Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 1000, marking the city as the most polluted in the world, overtaking Lahore. Residents woke to a dense layer of toxic smog on Wednesday morning, creating hazardous conditions across the capital. The AQI, which measures particulate matter and air pollutants, recorded a level far beyond the “severe” threshold, leading to a significant reduction in visibility and causing major disruptions in daily life.

The alarming AQI spike is linked to seasonal factors, including industrial emissions, construction dust, and the burning of crop stubble in neighboring states. This seasonal rise is worsened by stagnant wind conditions that trap pollutants over Delhi, creating an unhealthy mix of smog that lingers, particularly during winter. The heavy smog brought visibility down to around 100 meters in some areas early Wednesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This hazardous air quality not only poses severe health risks but also impacts city infrastructure. On Wednesday morning, visibility issues forced the diversion of eight flights: seven to Jaipur and one to Lucknow. By 10 a.m., the situation began to stabilize slightly, yet air travel and road transportation remained disrupted as the smog lingered.

Despite the concerning live AQI readings reported by Swiss firm IQAir, which noted Delhi’s AQI at around 1000, India’s official pollution authorities reported a lower but still hazardous level. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI hit 370 by mid-morning, which already poses a significant health risk for the entire population, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

The national capital has a history of intense air pollution, especially during the winter months when crop residue burning adds to its already burdened atmosphere. In the past, the government has responded by closing schools, halting construction work, and implementing vehicle restrictions. With air quality reaching new lows, calls for comprehensive long-term solutions are growing louder, as short-term restrictions alone struggle to address the recurring pollution crisis.