Weather & Science
Delhi Is Engulfed by Smog Ahead of Diwali Festival Celebrations
- Onset of colder weather exacerbates the yearlong problem
- India’s toxic air contributes to tens of thousands of deaths
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The world’s smoggiest capital has recorded its worst air pollution since the start of the year, just as millions prepare to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali.
New Delhi’s air quality index measured by the Swiss company IQAir, which captures a mix of pollutants including coarse and fine particulate matter, touched 384 on Wednesday night, a steep climb from safe levels of 50 or lower. That’s the highest reading since January, when the index hit 413.