New Delhi Faces Toxic Smog Following Diwali Celebrations
New Delhi experienced severe air pollution on Monday, as the city was blanketed in a thick layer of toxic smog following the recent Diwali celebrations.
The Diwali fireworks that lit up the city overnight contributed significantly to the high levels of particulate matter in the air, causing concerns for the city's residents' health.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the air quality index in New Delhi stood at 399 on Monday, indicating extremely poor air quality.
- The air quality index is a measure of the concentration of various pollutants in the air.
- A reading above 500 is considered extremely hazardous to human health.
Citizens have been urged to take precautions and avoid outdoor activities during the hazardous conditions.
"The situation is extremely critical and people are advised to stay indoors and avoid any outdoor activities," said Dr. S.K. Gupta, a senior official from the Central Pollution Control Board.
The authorities have also taken measures to reduce pollution levels, such as suspending construction activities and shutting down stubble burning in nearby agricultural areas.
"We have suspended all construction activities and stubble burning in the agricultural areas to curb the pollution levels," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The situation is expected to improve gradually as the authorities continue to monitor and enforce measures to reduce air pollution in the city.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will take strict action against polluters," said Environment Minister Imran Hussain.
New Delhi is not unfamiliar with air pollution issues, as the city has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities globally.
"New Delhi is one of the most polluted cities globally, with air pollution being a perennial problem," said Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, a senior scientist at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to tackle air pollution, including banning the use of fireworks during Diwali festivities.
"The government has implemented measures to control air pollution, including a ban on fireworks during Diwali festivities," said Environment Minister Imran Hussain.
New Delhi authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow guidelines to protect public health during this hazardous period.
"We urge the authorities and residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines to protect public health during this hazardous period," said Dr. Rajesh Kotecha.
The Indian government has been taking steps to address the issue of air pollution in the city, including implementing stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles.
"The Indian government has implemented stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles to tackle the air pollution issue," said Environment Minister Imran Hussain.
Air pollution in New Delhi remains a major concern for the city's residents and authorities.
"Air pollution in New Delhi remains a major concern for the city's residents and authorities," said Dr. Rajesh Kotecha.
The situation is expected to improve gradually as the city's air quality monitoring system continues to monitor and report on pollution levels.
"The situation is expected to improve gradually as the city's air quality monitoring system continues to monitor and report on pollution levels," said Environment Minister Imran Hussain.
The Indian government is working to address the issue of air pollution in the city, which has been a perennial problem for New Delhi residents.
"The Indian government is working to address the issue of air pollution in the city, which has been a perennial problem for New Delhi residents," said Dr. Rajesh Kotecha.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
