Air Pollution Crisis in New Delhi After Diwali Festival

New Delhi, India's capital, is experiencing a severe air pollution crisis following the Diwali festival celebrations. On Wednesday, the city's air quality was ranked as the worst among major cities worldwide, with pollution levels 40 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended guidelines.

The festival of Diwali, known for its vibrant fireworks displays, has significantly contributed to the deterioration of air quality. Despite attempts by authorities to restrict the use of firecrackers, many residents continued to use them, exacerbating the already poor air conditions.

This annual spike in pollution levels coincides with the onset of winter, when farmers in nearby regions burn crop stubble, further worsening the air quality. The combination of these factors has led to a hazardous situation for the city's 20 million residents.

Local residents report experiencing health issues such as throat irritation and eye burning. The government has implemented various measures to combat pollution, including water sprinkling on roads and traffic restrictions, but these efforts have shown limited success in addressing this long-term environmental crisis.