India | Toxic smog engulfs New Delhi, toxic foam covers Yamuna River amid sharp rise in pollution

Arab Weather - With the beginning of winter, a layer of smog covered the Indian capital, Delhi, and its surrounding areas, as air quality declined to "very poor."

What made matters worse was the thick layer of toxic smog that covered the skies of the Indian capital, New Delhi, on Friday, following the fireworks that were used extensively during the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali . This led to air pollution levels rising to dangerous levels.

Diwali in India

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in India and is widely celebrated among Hindus. The celebrations span several days and involve lighting homes and buildings with small oil lamps known as diyas, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Special religious rituals are performed on this occasion, and people gather with their families and friends to exchange gifts and traditional sweets, while streets and homes are decorated with colorful and cheerful decorations. Diwali is believed to mark the beginning of a new and auspicious phase, and people express their wishes for prosperity, peace and happiness for all.

Diwali and environmental pollution every year

Diwali is a major environmental challenge, especially in India’s major cities. Every year, the lighting of huge quantities of fireworks during the festival leads to high levels of air pollution, as these fireworks release toxic substances that contribute to the formation of thick layers of smog. This pollution makes breathing difficult and harms the health of millions, especially in the capital, New Delhi, which already suffers from high levels of pollution.

For years, Indian authorities have been trying to reduce the environmental impact of Diwali by banning traditional fireworks and encouraging eco-friendly ones or light shows. However, efforts to reduce pollution still face challenges, as some citizens continue to set off fireworks as part of the holiday tradition, further deteriorating air quality and negatively impacting the environment.

New Delhi's air quality index drops to 'hazardous' category

India's main environment monitoring agency Savar said New Delhi's air quality index had fallen into the "hazardous" category, with deadly particulate matter levels in some areas reaching seven times the World Health Organization's safety limit.

Toxic foam adds to Yamuna river pollution crisis

The situation has been further complicated by the appearance of toxic foam in the Yamuna River, with environmental experts reporting that the foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphate, posing a health risk to residents and leading to respiratory and skin problems.

Banning traditional fireworks has not stopped rising pollution

Since 2017, the authorities in the capital have imposed a ban on the use and sale of traditional fireworks, and urged citizens to choose environmentally friendly fireworks or rely on light shows. However, the capital is witnessing widespread violations of this decision.

New Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world.

New Delhi, with a population of over 33 million, ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the world. The situation worsens in winter when crop stubble burning in neighboring states coincides with cooler temperatures that trap the smoke, worsening the pollution and public health crisis.

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