As India’s capital battles hazardous air pollution, fueled by fireworks and farm stubble burning, the city of New Delhi is shrouded in acrid smog. Commuters brave the toxic haze, which claims thousands of lives annually. Despite the severity of the situation, many residents do not wear masks, contributing to the health crisis.
Each year, the city faces escalating pollution levels, with stubble burning a major culprit. The upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali is expected to exacerbate the issue, as smoky fireworks add to the toxic mix. Fine particulate matter levels have soared, posing a serious health risk to the population.
In response, the government has imposed a ban on firecrackers and stubble burning, but enforcement remains a challenge due to cultural sensitivities. Despite these efforts, the battle against air pollution in India continues, with millions of premature deaths linked to poor air quality.