Toxic Smog Chokes Delhi As Winter Pollution Surges

Delhi air quality plunges to very poor levels as winter smog triggers emergency restrictions.

Toxic smog has choked the Indian capital, pushing air quality into the very poor category ahead of the Diwali festival. Authorities have implemented emergency measures, including doubled parking fees and remote work mandates, to combat the worsening winter pollution. These restrictions arrive alongside strict bans on firecrackers as the city faces its annual haze crisis.

• The numbersDelhi recorded an air quality index reading of 377 in the very poor category.
• The responseOfficials doubled vehicle parking fees and directed public and private sector employees to work from home.
• The timingThe severe smog arrived a week before the Diwali celebrations and traditional firecracker displays.

What's new · 20h agoAir quality worsened further as the index reached 377 in the very poor category and celebrations approached.