Delhi world’s most polluted major city on eve of Diwali
The festival is usually marked by the widespread use of firecrackers, which further worsens air quality.
Delhi, the world's most polluted major city, was ranked number one by Swiss group IQAir on Saturday morning, as the Indian capital braced for severe pollution on the eve of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The air quality index for Delhi stood at 581, double the level in Lahore, Pakistan. India has urged schools to move classes online and encouraged people to work from home in anticipation of Diwali on Sunday, a day typically marked by the use of firecrackers, which exacerbate air quality issues.
While India's Central Pollution Control Board reported a slightly lower index of 363, classifying it in the "very poor" category, the situation was the worst pre-Diwali air in eight years, according to local media. The annual winter pollution problem arises as cold, dense air traps vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from burning crop waste.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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