Delhi’s residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog covering the city and toxic foam floating on the Yamuna river. The Air Quality Index reached a “poor” level, with some areas hitting “very poor”. The deteriorating environmental conditions led to an emergency meeting by Delhi’s environment minister.
To combat the declining air quality, the Delhi government imposed a ban on firecrackers until the new year. This decision came ahead of the festive season, which typically exacerbates pollution levels in the city. The toxic foam on the Yamuna river poses health risks, including respiratory and skin problems.
Delhi has a history of hazardous air quality during winter, worsened by factors like crop stubble burning and firecracker emissions. The city frequently experiences high pollution levels due to various sources, including vehicle emissions and dust. The government often implements measures like early school closures to protect citizens, particularly children, from the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to pollution.
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