Deadly Smog Blankets New Delhi, India

On October 20 local time, PM2.5 concentrations in India’s capital New Delhi and surrounding areas surged to 248 micrograms per cubic meter—exceeding the World Health Organization’s safety threshold by over 16 times—with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the “very unhealthy” level. This pollution resulted from a combination of winter temperature inversions, stubble burning in Punjab (contributing 35% of pollution), and Diwali fireworks. The Delhi government activated tiered response measures, including preparations for artificial rainfall and restrictions on diesel generators. However, implementation effectiveness was limited by insufficient cross-regional coordination and the difficulty of changing traditional customs. Hospitals saw a surge in respiratory disease admissions, with UNICEF warning that children exposed to prolonged pollution face heightened health risks.