Kiera Jefferson
Delhi's air pollution has become a pressing issue, with hazardous levels of air toxins affecting the health and lives of millions of residents. In November and December 2024, the city's air quality index (AQI) exceeded safe limits, causing breathing problems, eye and throat irritation, and other health concerns. The pollution is attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, rubbish fires, construction, factory emissions, and stubble fires in surrounding agricultural areas. Experts warn that the toxic air will have a significant impact on public health, reducing life expectancy in the city. The Indian government and local authorities have implemented measures to address the issue, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 150 (Poor) |
| PM2.5 | 57µg/m³ |
| PM10 | 171µg/m³ |
| Temperature | 28°C |
| Main pollutant | PM2.5 |
| PM2.5 concentration compared to WHO guideline value | 6.8 times higher |
| Number of vehicles in 2018 | 11.2 million |
| Population growth | Increasing |
| Delhi's rank in India | 2nd most polluted city |
| Delhi's rank worldwide | 5th most polluted city |
| Worst months for pollution | January, November, December |
| Worst month in 2019 | November |
| Worst month in 2024 | December |
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What You'll Learn
Delhi's pollution levels 35 times over the safe limit
Delhi's air pollution has soared to hazardous levels, with residents complaining of breathing problems, itching eyes and sore throats. The air quality in the Indian capital was 35 times over the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
The air quality index (AQI) measures the level of tiny particles in the air, known as PM 2.5. This is considered the "most dangerous pollutant" and is the only determinant for calculating pollution levels, according to Frank Hammes, global chief executive of air technology company IQAir. Delhi's PM2.5 concentration is currently 6.8 times the WHO's annual PM2.5 guideline value.
On 18 November 2024, Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season, with a 24-hour AQI reading of 491, classified as "severe plus". The reading indicated hazardous conditions with significant health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations. The air quality worsened to 493 AQI on 18 November 2024, exceeding WHO limits, as smog blanketed northern India.
The poor air quality in Delhi has been attributed to various factors, including motor vehicle emissions, wood-burning fires, stubble burning, road dust, vehicle pollution, cold weather, and industrial emissions. According to the World Health Organization, India has the world's highest death rate from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma. Delhi's air pollution also affects the surrounding districts, and it is estimated that air pollution in India kills about 2 million people annually.
To mitigate the impact of hazardous air quality, authorities urged people, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors as much as possible, while doctors recommended wearing masks. However, these are short-term measures, and more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of Delhi's air pollution.
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Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements
Delhi's air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which assesses the level of tiny particles in the air, known as PM 2.5. This is considered the "most dangerous pollutant" and is the only determinant for calculating pollution levels.
On 18 November 2024, Delhi's air quality worsened to an AQI of 493, exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) limit by over 26 times. This prompted restrictions and health concerns, with residents complaining of breathing problems, itching eyes, and sore throats. The Delhi government reintroduced pollution control measures, with schools shifting to hybrid learning and restrictions on construction and vehicle movement.
On 18 June, the AQI value in New Delhi was 95, indicating moderate air quality. PM2.5 levels were at 41 µg/m³, and PM10 levels were at 96 µg/m³, which is considered a moderate level of pollutants. However, sensitive individuals may have experienced symptoms with prolonged exposure.
On another date in June 2025, the overall AQI in Delhi was 175. The PM2.5 AQI was 175, PM10 was 125, NO2 was 7, SO2 was 4, O3 was 16, and CO was 7.
The varying AQI measurements in Delhi highlight the fluctuation of air quality in the city, with levels ranging from moderate to hazardous. These measurements are crucial for informing public health measures and recommendations to protect residents from the harmful effects of air pollution.
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The impact on public health
Delhi's air pollution has been deemed the most harmful of any major city in the world. The air pollution in Delhi is estimated to kill about 2 million people every year and is the fifth largest cause of death in India.
The National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines to help people cope with the poor air quality, including avoiding outdoor activities, staying indoors, working from home, and keeping children inside as much as possible. The guidelines also recommend that people avoid smoking, burning garbage, and strenuous activity, and that they drink more water to flush toxins from the body.
The poor air quality in Delhi has had a significant impact on the health of its residents, with many complaining of breathing problems, itching eyes and throat, asthma attacks, and heart and lung issues. The high levels of pollution have also irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children in the city. The Indian Medical Association has declared a public health emergency, as the air pollution levels are equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes per day.
The main sources of air pollution in Delhi include vehicular emissions, which contribute about 72% of the total pollution load, and the burning of local organic waste, which includes wood, cow dung cakes, and agricultural waste burned for heating. Other factors include the increase in vehicle numbers, low cost of parking, dieselization of cars, overpopulation, large-scale construction activity, and the burning of residual crops in neighboring states.
To address the issue of air pollution, the Delhi government has implemented various measures, such as reintroducing strict pollution control measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), shifting schools to hybrid mode or online classes, banning diesel generator sets, shutting down the coal-based Badarpur power plant, and vacuum cleaning and water sprinkling of roads. However, the efficacy of these measures has been debated, and the government has been criticized for a lack of implementation in reality.
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The ineffectiveness of anti-pollution measures
Delhi's air pollution has been a cause for concern for several years, with air quality deteriorating drastically during the winter months. In November 2024, Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season, with a 24-hour AQI reading of 491, classified as "severe plus". This was over 26 times the limit prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite the implementation of various anti-pollution measures, the air quality in Delhi remains poor, indicating the ineffectiveness of these measures. One of the main causes of Delhi's air pollution is crop burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. During the crop-burning season, this practice can account for up to 45% of Delhi's pollution. While the Supreme Court of India banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi in 2017 and shut down the Badarpur power plant in 2018, these actions have not been sufficient to improve air quality significantly.
Additionally, motor vehicle emissions, wood-burning fires, cow dung combustion, fires on agricultural land, exhaust from diesel generators, dust from construction sites, and burning garbage contribute to the poor air quality. The Delhi government has introduced measures such as banning construction and demolition work for several days and prohibiting diesel generator sets, except for essential services. However, these measures have not yielded the desired results, as the air pollution levels continue to fluctuate and remain high.
The ineffectiveness of these measures can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of coordination between different states and the short-term nature of the solutions. For example, the crop-burning ban in Punjab was intended to reduce air pollution, but it ended up encouraging stubble burning due to the restricted cultivation period. Moreover, the enforcement of these measures has been challenging, and illegal industrial activities and firecracker usage continue to contribute to air pollution.
To address Delhi's air pollution effectively, a more comprehensive and long-term approach is necessary. This includes improving coordination between states, implementing stricter emission standards, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and investing in clean energy infrastructure. By addressing the root causes of air pollution and adopting a multi-faceted strategy, Delhi can make significant strides towards improving its air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its residents.
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The social inequality caused by the lack of access to clean air
Delhi's pollution has soared to hazardous levels, with air quality 35 times over the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This has led to a range of health issues for residents, including breathing problems, itching eyes and throats, and asthma attacks. The social inequality caused by the lack of access to clean air in Delhi is a significant issue, impacting the lives of the city's over 30 million residents in various ways.
Delhi already struggles with inequality, and the disparity in access to clean air has become a notable dividing line between the rich and poor. Those who can afford it can purchase air purifiers to improve the air quality in their homes, but for many, this is out of reach. Shagun Devi, a resident of Delhi, highlighted this issue, stating that the air in her home is as polluted as the air outside, due to her inability to afford an air purifier. This inequality in access to clean air disproportionately affects those who work outdoors, such as labourers and street vendors, who are exposed to toxic air for extended periods.
The health consequences of air pollution further contribute to social inequality. The toxic air quality in Delhi has been linked to reduced life expectancy, with experts estimating a seven-year reduction in average life expectancy due to air pollution. Additionally, the pollution exacerbates respiratory issues, with residents complaining of asthma attacks and other breathing difficulties. Those who cannot afford proper healthcare and preventative measures, such as masks or inhalers, are at a greater disadvantage and bear the brunt of the health impacts.
Furthermore, the measures implemented to mitigate the effects of air pollution can inadvertently contribute to social inequality. For instance, when air pollution levels are high, authorities often urge children to stay indoors. This can disrupt their education, especially in families without access to online learning resources. Additionally, during periods of severe air pollution, outdoor activities and gatherings may be restricted, impacting the livelihoods of those who rely on outdoor work or businesses.
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Frequently asked questions
As of November 2024, Delhi's air quality worsened to 493 AQI, exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limit by over 26 times.
The main cause of the annual smog in Delhi is the cold weather in the north of India, which traps toxic pollutants from cars, rubbish fires, construction, and factory emissions. The smog is further exacerbated by stubble fires, when farmers burn their fields after harvesting rice.
Delhi's toxic air quality is reducing the life expectancy of residents by an average of seven years. The pollution causes a range of health issues, including breathing problems, asthma attacks, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
The Delhi government has reintroduced strict pollution control measures, including shifting schools to hybrid mode and tightening restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movements. However, these measures have proven largely ineffective, and experts continue to urge authorities to take more significant action.
