NEW DEHLI: On Thursday, New Delhi found itself shrouded in a noxious haze, instigating apprehensions of yet another looming public health crisis in the Indian capital. Government agencies sounded the alarm, cautioning that pollution levels could deteriorate in the coming days despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the issue.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered a harrowing 415 on a 0-500 scale in New Delhi’s Anand Vihar district, categorizing the pollution levels as “severe,” endangering both the health of the general populace and individuals with preexisting medical conditions. For reference, an AQI between 0-50 is deemed healthy.
The winter months in this region regularly witness a sharp decline in air quality, coinciding with a surge in respiratory illnesses, necessitating the closure of schools and factories. In response, the New Delhi government enforced a ban on diesel buses’ entry and threatened to halt construction activities if the situation persists.
With AQI levels surpassing 400, New Delhi and Lahore in Pakistan secured the unenviable top spots on a real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities, compiled by the Swiss group IQAir. India’s Mumbai also earned a spot among the world’s 15 most polluted cities.
The escalating air pollution issue has cast a pall over the cricket World Cup, as fans throng to stadiums in various Indian cities. In Mumbai, the AQI hovered around the 200 mark in the lead-up to the Thursday match between India and Sri Lanka. The city anticipates hosting large crowds during the tournament’s semifinal on November 15.
In an effort to combat pollution, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently declared a ban on firework displays during the remaining matches of the tournament. Concerns about the toxic air have been voiced by players, with England’s Joe Root lamenting breathing difficulties during a game and India’s Rohit Sharma advocating for change for the sake of “future generations.”
