Delhi has announced the closure of all primary schools due to worsening air pollution, moving classes online until further notice, as thick smog blankets the city. Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh shared the update on social media, highlighting the health risks posed by current pollution levels.
Air quality in Delhi and nearby cities has reached hazardous levels, with fine particulate matter exceeding 50 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety threshold. The combination of colder temperatures, vehicle emissions, dust, low wind speeds, and crop stubble burning worsens the pollution, a recurring issue in northern India during winter.
According to IQAir, Delhi’s PM 2.5 concentration averaged 254 per cubic meter on Thursday—far above the WHO’s safe level of 15. High levels of these fine particles, which can infiltrate the lungs and affect organs, increase risks for cardiovascular and respiratory issues and can hinder child development. Larger particles, or PM 10, averaged 495, also exceeding safe levels.
Neighboring areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh reported similarly hazardous air quality. Many Delhi residents are experiencing eye irritation and respiratory problems. A Lancet study published in July attributed 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi to fine particulate pollution.
Despite efforts, such as dust-suppressing water sprays on roads, restrictions on non-essential construction, and coal-burning advisories, critics argue these measures have had limited impact. Satellite images shared by NASA show the extensive smog stretching across northern India and into Pakistan, where Lahore recently faced similar school closures due to pollution.
Officials expect air pollution to ease slightly in the coming days, although levels are likely to remain in the unhealthy range. Delhi, a densely populated city of over 33 million people, faces annual struggles with winter smog, which affects daily life and health.
Beyond immediate health risks, prolonged exposure to such extreme air quality can have lasting effects on public health, putting additional strain on healthcare systems. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as air pollution exacerbates conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. With schools now moved online, there is hope that children can avoid the worst of the pollution’s effects, though the crisis has also sparked renewed calls for a sustainable, long-term solution.
Many activists and environmental groups have criticized the current response, arguing that authorities need a more comprehensive approach to tackling air pollution at its sources. Some proposals include stricter enforcement of emission standards, enhanced public transportation options to reduce vehicle usage, and increased regulation of agricultural practices that contribute to stubble burning. Neighboring states are encouraged to collaborate on reducing crop-burning emissions to curb cross-state pollution flows.
Delhi’s air pollution crisis also underscores a regional challenge, as cities across northern India and Pakistan experience similar conditions. The transboundary nature of pollution has prompted discussions about cooperation between India and Pakistan for joint air quality monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Meanwhile, satellite images continue to capture the massive scope of the smog, a stark visual reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to address air quality in South Asia.
