NEW DELHI: Delhi ranked as the world’s most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir, as the Indian capital faced severe pollution forecasts a day before the Hindu festival Diwali.
India has ordered schools in and around Delhi to offer online classes, and encouraged people to work from home ahead of Diwali on Sunday, which is usually marked by the widespread use of firecrackers that further worsen the air quality.
IQAir ranked Delhi first among the world’s major cities at 10:35 am (0505 GMT), with a US air quality index reading of 581.
IQAir’s reading, based on concentrations of air pollutants, is not directly comparable to India’s official index, which uses a different scale and methodology.
India’s Central Pollution Control Board put Delhi’s air quality index at 363 at 10:00 am, in the “very poor” category.
Friday’s air quality in Delhi was the worst pre-Diwali air in eight years, local media said, citing official data.
Pollution is an annual problem in many parts of northern India from the onset of winter, as cold, heavy air traps vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from crop-waste burning.
Delhi Orders Online Classes
Indian authorities have ordered schools in and around New Delhi to offer online classes as worsening air pollution threatens public health.
The Commission for Air Quality Management announced the restrictions on Friday under a graded response plan, which introduces stronger measures as pollution levels deteriorate.
The order also encouraged companies and government offices to consider allowing up to half of their employees to work from home.
Authorities urged residents to postpone private gatherings to limit activities contributing to pollution.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates
According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 382 on Friday, significantly above the level of 50 or below classified as good.
The deterioration comes ahead of Diwali on Sunday, when widespread firecracker use traditionally adds to the city’s already polluted atmosphere.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa warned that weather conditions could make the situation worse.
He said winds were expected to stop, potentially allowing pollutants to accumulate and pushing air quality further into the severe category.
Residents Report Health Problems
Air pollution is an annual problem across northern India during winter, when cold air traps vehicle emissions, construction dust and smoke from agricultural waste burning close to the ground.
Delhi, home to approximately 20 million people, is particularly affected by emissions from vehicles and construction activities. Residents have reported breathing difficulties and other health concerns.
“The pollution makes it hard to breathe, and also makes me feel anxious,” Delhi resident Sarvesh told the media, adding that the polluted air caused irritation in his eyes.
