NEW DELHI, India: New Delhi ranked as the world’s most polluted city on Friday, following Diwali celebrations where many residents defied a ban on firecrackers, worsening the city’s air quality.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 348, placing it firmly in the “hazardous” category, according to IQ Air. The dense smog enveloped major landmarks, including the presidential palace and popular parks, making it difficult for residents to breathe freely.
Despite annual bans by local authorities and Supreme Court directives aimed at curbing firecracker use during Diwali, enforcement remains challenging. Some groups argue that restrictions interfere with religious customs, while the government insists they are necessary to protect public health.
Delhi’s poor air quality is exacerbated by seasonal crop stubble burning in nearby agricultural regions, which contributes significantly to winter pollution. As cold air traps pollutants from various sources, air quality worsens annually around this time, creating serious health risks for millions.
