Delhi Faces Thick Smog and Falling Temperatures on October 18

In India, New Delhi is facing serious air quality issues, with current conditions categorized as hazardous for over a week. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has recorded alarming levels of pollution across various parts of the city, prompting local authorities to engage with key stakeholders in a meeting aimed at evaluating the situation and determining actionable strategies. The consistent decline in air quality has raised significant public concern and prompted governmental intervention. The Central Pollution Control Board has cited multiple contributing factors to the air pollution crisis. This includes the prevalence of stubble burning in surrounding regions, alongside emissions from vehicles and airborne dust which have combined to create deteriorating air quality. As temperatures fall in the national capital, these pollutants are becoming trapped, worsening the atmosphere's clarity and increasing health risks for residents. In response to the pollution crisis, the Delhi government has initiated several plans to mitigate the effects of poor air quality. The Delhi Environment Minister has unveiled new initiatives targeting the city's pollution hotspots and bolstering action taken in prior months. These measures include bio-decomposer spraying to address burning and targeted anti-dust campaigns at construction sites. The ongoing efforts reflect a broader push for sustainable and effective pollution management strategies as part of the response to rapidly declining air quality, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among governmental departments to enact lasting change.