Delhi world's most polluted major city on eve of Diwali, Swiss group says

Delhi was identified as the world's most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to Swiss group IQAir's live ranking, ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. India has urged schools in and around Delhi to provide online classes, and has encouraged people to work from home in anticipation of Diwali on Sunday. This year, the air quality in Delhi is expected to worsen significantly due to the widespread use of firecrackers during the festival.

The Swiss group's reading, based on air pollutant concentrations, stands at a concerning US air quality index of 581, double the level of Lahore in neighboring Pakistan, which recorded a reading of 285 at 10:35am (0505 GMT). However, it is essential to note that IQAir's reading differs from India's official index, which employs a different scale and methodology.

The Central Pollution Control Board reported Delhi's air quality index at 363 at 10 am, placing it in the "very poor" category. Friday's air quality in Delhi was reported as the worst pre-Diwali air in eight years by local media, citing official data. Pollution is a recurring issue in several parts of northern India during winter as cold, dense air traps vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from burning crop waste.