Smog in Northern India and Pakistan Worsens, Threatening Health Ahead of Diwali
A thick layer of smog in northern India and Pakistan has worsened air quality to alarming levels, just days before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is set to begin Thursday. This annual festival often involves fireworks, a tradition that further exacerbates air pollution during the already severe smog season.
Dangerous Air Quality Levels
In Delhi, India’s capital, the air quality index (AQI) registered around 250 on Monday, remaining in the “very unhealthy” range. Meanwhile, Lahore, Pakistan, recorded AQI levels surpassing 500, marking it as the world’s most polluted city for the day, according to IQAir. These levels are far above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe air quality guidelines, presenting significant health risks, including respiratory issues and reduced life expectancy.
Factors Driving Smog Season
The region’s air quality deteriorates each winter, due to several factors: crop burning by farmers, emissions from coal-fired power plants, heavy vehicle traffic, and stagnant weather patterns. In India, government efforts to combat pollution include a Clean Air Programme launched in 2019, targeting a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2026. Measures include restricting coal power plant emissions and improving air monitoring. However, experts warn that these steps only scratch the surface of a larger, more complex issue.
The Impact of Diwali on Air Quality
During Diwali, people celebrate with firecrackers, which intensify air pollution. Despite Delhi’s ban on firecrackers, enforcement remains challenging. The Indian Supreme Court recently criticized the Punjab and Haryana governments for insufficient efforts to halt crop burning, a major contributor to seasonal smog. As health professionals urge stronger policies, residents continue to seek government action to curb the annual pollution crisis.
Efforts like sprinkling water on roads and inducing artificial rainfall in Delhi are stop-gap solutions; lasting change requires stronger political commitment. Without decisive action, experts caution that air pollution will continue to take a toll on public health across northern India and Pakistan.
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