India: Delhi surpasses Lahore as world's most polluted city
Delhi has surpassed Lahore to become the world's most polluted city, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 334 on Friday, classified as 'hazardous'.
The Indian capital's air quality reached dangerous levels on Friday, with Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir reporting an AQI of 334, categorizing it as 'hazardous'. This measurement placed Delhi above Lahore, Pakistan, which had an AQI of 155 at the same time, making Delhi the most polluted major city globally.
India's official Central Pollution Control Board recorded even higher pollution levels, with an AQI of 403, which they classified as 'severe'. The discrepancy between readings stems from different AQI scales and methodologies used by the two organizations.
Seasonal Pollution Crisis
The worsening air quality is a seasonal phenomenon in northern India and Pakistan. During winter months, cold, heavy air traps vehicle emissions, construction dust, and smoke from agricultural burning, creating a thick layer of smog that significantly reduces visibility.
While Delhi's air quality improved slightly to 208 by 11:30 a.m. local time on Friday, it remained critically high. The pollution crisis follows recent festivities in the region, leaving residents to deal with the hazardous conditions.
Regional Impact
The pollution crisis coincides with other significant news from India, including a deadly truck-bus collision in the northeastern state of Assam that has claimed at least 23 lives. Authorities continue to monitor both the environmental and public safety challenges facing the region.
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