New Delhi was the world’s most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to the live ranking of IQAir, as the Indian capital faced severe pollution forecasts a day before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Ah, Diwali—the festival of lights, sweets, and the annual tradition of breathing in what feels like a dense fog of despair. This year, Delhi has once again snagged the prestigious title of the world’s most polluted major city, according to the ever-watchful eyes at IQAir. Congratulations, Delhi! You’ve managed to outdo yourself once more.
On the morning of November 6, 2023, while many were preparing to light up their homes and hearts, the air quality in Delhi was about as inviting as a dinner invitation from that one relative who always brings fruitcake. With a US air quality index reading of 581, Delhi’s air was officially classified as “breathe at your own risk.” For comparison, Lahore, which is just a hop and skip away, was sitting pretty at a mere 285. So, if you were planning on a leisurely stroll through the streets of Delhi, you might want to reconsider and opt for a nice, enclosed bubble instead.
In a bid to counteract the impending disaster that is the traditional Diwali firecracker frenzy, the Indian government has taken some precautionary measures. Schools in and around Delhi have been ordered to shift to online classes—because who wouldn’t want to learn math while simultaneously wondering if your lungs can survive another day of toxic air? And for the adults? Well, they’re being encouraged to work from home. Because nothing says festive spirit like spending Diwali in your pajamas while glued to a Zoom call.
The pollution is not just a random occurrence; it’s an annual spectacle that seems to roll around like clockwork every winter. As temperatures drop, heavy, cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, construction dust, and the delightful smoke that wafts in from crop-burning. It’s like a toxic cocktail that no one ordered but everyone is forced to sip on.
To put things in perspective, the Central Pollution Control Board of India rated Delhi’s air quality at 363, which falls into the “very poor” category. A lovely place to be, if you enjoy your air with a side of regret. Local media has reported that this year’s pre-Diwali air quality is the worst it’s been in eight years. So, if you’re looking for a reason to skip the celebrations, you can always blame the air quality.
As families prepare to light up their diyas, it’s worth pondering: will they be lighting them against the backdrop of a beautiful evening sky or a thick haze that could put a horror movie to shame?
So, here’s to Delhi, the city that continues to excel in the wrong arena. While the rest of the world is competing in cleanliness and environmental awareness, Delhi is out there, proudly waving its pollution flag. As we all gather to celebrate Diwali, let’s raise a toast (preferably to something clean and breathable) and hope that next year, Delhi can find a way to shine bright without choking all of us in the process.
Inspired by: “Delhi world’s most polluted major city on eve of Diwali, Swiss group says” (r/News)