Monday, February 10th, 2025

Before Diwali, a blanket of smog covered the sky, leave aside Delhi-NCR, you will be scared after knowing Pakistan’s AQI!

New Delhi: Toxic smog is prevalent in many areas of North India including Delhi-NCR. Even before Diwali, pollution has spread in the sky from Pakistan to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and UP. Generally, firecrackers burnt on Diwali are considered to be the main reason for increasing pollution, but this year the AQI has already reached very poor levels. According to Safar app, AQI 375 was recorded in Delhi at around 6.30 pm, which is considered very bad. According to IQAir, AQI was recorded more than 200 on Monday morning.

Worse situation in Pakistan

While the AQI in India is around 375, the situation is worse in the neighboring country Pakistan. On Monday, AQI in Lahore city of Pakistan, located about 25 km from the Indian border, crossed 500, which is considered a dangerous level. This level of air is about 65 times the WHO guidelines. According to IQAir, it was the most polluted city in the world at the time of the ranking.

People are having trouble breathing

As winter progresses, the air quality starts deteriorating in many areas of North India. Burning of stubble in the fields by farmers, smoke from coal-fired power projects and vehicles results in a blanket of smog in the sky. Due to smog and pollution, people’s complaints like breathing problems and eye irritation increase. Pollution in India becomes so severe that experts have warned that it can reduce the life years of millions of people.

State governments blaming each other

While pollution is increasing, states are blaming each other. The Delhi government has blamed the BJP government of Haryana and UP for pollution, while the BJP is holding the Aam Aadmi Party of Punjab responsible for it. Delhi had banned the use and sale of firecrackers before Diwali, but it has become difficult to implement this policy.

Supreme Court had reprimanded

Last week, the Supreme Court of India rebuked the governments of the states of Punjab and Haryana for failing to stop illegal stubble burning. In the practice of stubble burning, farmers set fire to crop waste to clear fields. Local authorities claim that they have significantly reduced this practice in recent years.

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