Air pollution in Delhi

Air quality or ambient/outdoor air pollution is represented by the annual mean concentration of particulate matter PM₁₀ (particles smaller than 10 microns) and PM_2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns, about 25 to 100 times thinner than a human hair).{{cite web |title=Ambient (outdoor) air pollution database, by country and city |url=https://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328100014/http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/ |url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2014 |publisher=WHO|access-date=31 May 2015}}

PM₁₀ levels, for the period 2008 and 2013, based on data of 1600 cities in 91 countries, range from 26 to 208 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m³), with the world average being 71 μg/m³. 13 of the 25 cities worldwide with the highest levels of PM are in India.{{cite web |first=Alissa|last=Walker|title=India's Air Pollution Is So Bad It's Causing Lung Damage in Kids|url=https://gizmodo.com/indias-air-pollution-is-so-bad-its-causing-lung-damage-1707775668|publisher=gizmodo|access-date=30 May 2015|date=29 May 2015}}

In 2010, the year of the WHO survey, the average PM₁₀ level in Delhi was 286 μg/m³. In 2013, the PM_2.5 level was 153 μg/m³. These levels are considered very unhealthy. In Gwalior, the city with the worst air quality in India, the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels were 329 μg/m³ and 144 μg/m³ respectively. For comparison, the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels in London were 22 μg/m³ and 16 μg/m³ respectively.

In December–January 2015, in Delhi, an average PM_2.5 level of 226 μg/m³ was noted by US embassy monitors in Delhi. The average in Beijing for the same period was 95.Air Pollution in India: Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map, http://aqicn.org/map/india/ Delhi's air is twice as bad as Beijing's air. As of November 2017, experts in several monitoring stations have reportedly measured an air quality index of 999. This is said to be the equivalent of smoking 45 to 50 cigarettes a day. This has led to chief minister of Delhi comparing the nation's capital to a "gas chamber".{{cite news |title=10% of the disease burden|url=https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/india-needs-determined-action-fight-air-pollution|first=Roli|last=Mahajan|work=D+C, development and cooperation |date=15 March 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018}}

Safe levels for PM according to the WHO's air quality guidelines are 15 μg/m³ (annual mean) for PM₁₀ and 5 μg/m³ (annual mean) for PM_2.5.{{cite web|title=WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide Global update 2005 Summary of risk assessment|url=http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf|publisher=WHO|access-date=31 May 2015|date=2005}}

• Motor vehicle emissions are one of the causes of poor air quality.{{Cite journal|last1=Stewart|first1=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Drysdale|first3=Will S.|last4=Acton|first4=W. Joe F.|last5=Vaughan|first5=Adam R.|last6=Hopkins|first6=James R.|last7=Dunmore|first7=Rachel E.|last8=Hewitt|first8=C. Nicholas|last9=Nemitz|first9=Eiko|last10=Mullinger|first10=Neil|last11=Langford|first11=Ben|date=2020-08-13|title=Sources of non-methane hydrocarbons in surface air in Delhi, India|journal=Faraday Discussions|volume=226|pages=409–431|language=en|doi=10.1039/D0FD00087F|pmid=33336656|issn=1364-5498|doi-access=free}} Other causes include wood-burning fires,{{Cite journal|last1=Stewart|first1=Gareth J.|last2=Acton|first2=W. Joe F.|last3=Nelson|first3=Beth S.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Hopkins|first5=James R.|last6=Arya|first6=Rahul|last7=Mondal|first7=Arnab|last8=Jangirh|first8=Ritu|last9=Ahlawat|first9=Sakshi|last10=Yadav|first10=Lokesh|last11=Sharma|first11=Sudhir K.|date=2021-02-18|title=Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds from combustion of domestic fuels in Delhi, India|url=https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/21/2383/2021/|journal=Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics|language=English|volume=21|issue=4|pages=2383–2406|doi=10.5194/acp-21-2383-2021|bibcode=2021ACP....21.2383S|issn=1680-7316|doi-access=free}}{{Cite journal|last1=Stewart|first1=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Acton|first3=W. Joe F.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Farren|first5=Naomi J.|last6=Hopkins|first6=James R.|last7=Ward|first7=Martyn W.|last8=Swift|first8=Stefan J.|last9=Arya|first9=Rahul|last10=Mondal|first10=Arnab|last11=Jangirh|first11=Ritu|date=2021-02-18|title=Emissions of intermediate-volatility and semi-volatile organic compounds from domestic fuels used in Delhi, India|url=https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/21/2407/2021/|journal=Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics|language=English|volume=21|issue=4|pages=2407–2426|doi=10.5194/acp-21-2407-2021|bibcode=2021ACP....21.2407S|issn=1680-7316|doi-access=free}} cow dung cake combustion,{{Cite journal|last1=Stewart|first1=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Acton|first3=W. Joe F.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Hopkins|first5=James R.|last6=Yunus|first6=Siti S. M.|last7=Hewitt|first7=C. Nicholas|last8=Nemitz|first8=Eiko|last9=Mandal|first9=Tuhin K.|last10=Gadi|first10=Ranu|last11=Sahu|first11=Lokesh K.|date=2021-02-25|title=Comprehensive organic emission profiles, secondary organic aerosol production potential, and OH reactivity of domestic fuel combustion in Delhi, India|journal=Environmental Science: Atmospheres|language=en|volume=1|issue=2|pages=104–117|doi=10.1039/D0EA00009D|issn=2634-3606|doi-access=free|bibcode=2021ESAt....1..104S }} fires on agricultural land, exhaust from diesel generators, dust from construction sites, burning garbage{{cite web | url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-india-pollution-new-delhi-cars-20160104-story.html | title=To fight the world's worst air pollution, New Delhi forces cars off the roads | work=Los Angeles Times | access-date=7 December 2017 | author=Bengali, Shashank | date=4 January 2016 | pages=4 January 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/a-history-of-delhi-s-air-pollution-can-road-rationing-even-the-odds/story-XNnrXjRY2I4bwzgSuYlJZK.html | title=A history of Delhi's air pollution: Can road rationing even the odds? | work=Hindustan Times | date=4 January 2016 | access-date=7 December 2017}} and illegal industrial activities in Delhi. Although pollution is at its worst from November to February, Delhi's air misses clean-air standards by a wide margin for much of the year. On the worst days, the air quality index, a benchmark ranging from zero (good) to 500 (hazardous), exceeds 400.{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/south-central-asia_doctors-warn-pollutions-impact-health-new-delhi/6178945.html|title=Doctors Warn of Pollution's Impact on Health in New Delhi|website=Voice of America|date=6 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=7 November 2019}}
• Thermal power plants in NCR.
• Agricultural stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab, coupled with north-westerly winds also affects Delhi's air quality since the 1980s when crops are being harvested. This is the biggest cause {{Citation needed|date=January 2023}} of air pollution in Delhi and as can be seen from air pollution index data, the air quality drastically deteriorated in October, the season of crop burning in Punjab and Haryana.{{cite web |date=9 October 2017 |title=Stubble burning begins: Hold your breath Delhiites, that deadly smog is coming |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/stubble-burning-begins-hold-your-breath-delhiites-that-deadly-smog-is-coming/story-ahzIniEIeYF12iBDHtGHpO.html}} During the crop-burning season, the practice can account for up to 45% of Delhi's pollution, according to government meteorologists.{{Cite web |last=Kamali Dehghan |first=Saeed |date=2021-12-10 |title=Burning issue: how enzymes could end India's problem with stubble |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/dec/10/burning-issue-how-enzymes-could-end-indias-problem-with-stubble |access-date=2021-12-11 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}
• The drift/mist emissions from the wet cooling towers are also a source of particulate matter as they are widely used in industry and other sectors for dissipating heat in cooling systems.{{cite news |title=Wet cooling towers: guide to reporting |url= https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/national-pollutant-release-inventory/report/sector-specific-tools-calculate-emissions/wet-cooling-tower-particulate-guide.html |access-date=19 October 2018}}
• Although Delhi is kerosene free and 90% of the households use LPG for cooking, the remaining 10% uses wood, crop residue, cow dung, and coal for cooking. (Census-India, 2011)
• Fire in Bhalswa landfill is also a major reason for airborne particles in Delhi.{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bhalswa-landfill-site-major-factor-of-air-pollution-jain-116110501132_1.html|title=Bhalswa landfill site major factor of air pollution: Jain|agency=Press Trust of India|date=5 November 2016|work=Business Standard India|access-date=7 December 2017}}

A study in 2016 measured the sources and average levels of various types of air pollution in Delhi. Of PM_2.5 pollution, 38% came from road dust, 20% from vehicles, 12% from domestic fuel burning, and 11% from industrial point sources. Of PM₁₀ pollution, 56% came from road dust, 10% from concrete batching, 10% from industrial point sources, and 9% from vehicles. Of NO_x emissions, 52% came from industrial point sources (mostly from power plants and 36% from vehicles (but the 36% was potentially more damaging due to being emitted close to people){{Citation needed|date=January 2025|reason=The brackets, who said it was more damaging?}}. Of SO₂ emissions, 90% came from industrial point sources. Of CO emissions, 83% came from vehicles.[https://cerca.iitd.ac.in/uploads/Reports/1576211826iitk.pdf Comprehensive Study on Air Pollution and Green House], Mukesh Sharma and Onkar Dikshit (Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur), 2016 The large contributions of vehicles and road dust to air pollution have been made worse by court-ordered restrictions on bus service in Delhi, which had the effect of accelerating the purchase of private cars and the construction of roads to accommodate them.[https://srajagopalan.substack.com/p/altruism-and-development-its-complicated Altruism and Development - It's complicated.......]

A collaborative study between IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur concluded that biomass burning drive is the primary cause air pollution in Delhi following the days after Vijayadashami and Diwali. It also said that stubble burning and increased heating requirements of the region in winters increase the biomass burning activity.{{Cite web |last=DELHI |first=IIT |title=Biomass Burning Drives Poor Air Quality in Delhi Post Diwali, Not Fireworks: IIT Delhi Study |url=https://home.iitd.ac.in/show.php?id=23&in_sections=Research |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=home.iitd.ac.in |language=en}}

• The Badarpur Thermal Power Station, a coal-fired power plant built in 1973, was another major source of air pollution in Delhi. Despite producing less than 8% of the city's electric power, it produced 80 to 90% of the particulate matter pollution from the electric power sector in Delhi.{{cite news |date=12 August 2016 |title=The Badarpur Plant's effect on Air Pollution and why it needs to be shut down |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/the-badarpur-plants-effect-on-air-pollution-and-why-it-needs-to-be-shut-down/articleshow/53669369.cms |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=The Economic Times}} During the Great Smog of Delhi in November 2016, the Badarpur Power Plant was temporarily shut down to alleviate the acute air pollution but was allowed to restart on 1 February 2017.{{cite news |date=17 November 2016 |title=Badarpur thermal power plant to remain shut till Jan 31 2017 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/badarpur-thermal-power-plant-to-remain-shut-till-jan-31-2017-4380987/ |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=Indian Express}} In view of the detrimental effect to the environment, the power plant has been permanently shut down since 15 October 2018.{{cite news |title=Badarpur thermal plant, Delhi's biggest power generator, to shut down from October 15 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/Delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421060942/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html |archive-date=21 April 2019 |access-date=16 January 2020}}

{{More citations needed|section|date=January 2025}}

File:Delhi panorama 1857.jpg]]

22 lakh (2,200,000) children in Delhi have irreversible lung damage due to the poor quality of the air. In addition, research shows that pollution can lower children's immune system and increase the risks of cancer, epilepsy, diabetes and even adult-onset diseases like multiple sclerosis. Children are more vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution as they are growing and developing due to which they breathe a higher rate of air per kilogram of their body weight. They also spend more time outside and are thus more exposed to it.{{Cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Gardiner|title=Holding Your Breath in India|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/opinion/sunday/holding-your-breath-in-india.html?_r=0|work=SundayReview, New York Times|access-date=30 May 2015|date=29 May 2015}}

Poor air quality is a cause of reduced lung capacity, headaches, sore throats, coughs, fatigue, lung cancer, and early death.

{{Update|part=section|date=November 2024|reason=}}

In 2016, the Chief Minister of Delhi proposed these measures to reduce air pollution but didn't get any success due to the lack of implementation in reality. The efficacy of any individual step has been a matter of public debate.{{cite web |date=6 November 2016 |title=Air pollution: Delhi shuts schools, bans construction work |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Air-pollution-Delhi-shuts-schools-bans-construction-work/articleshow/55273297.cms |work=Times of India}}

• All Delhi schools will remain shut for the next few days.
• For the next five days, no construction and demolition work will take place in Delhi.
• All diesel generator sets have been banned for the next ten days, except at hospitals and in emergencies.
• The Delhi government will supply power to unauthorized colonies which use diesel generators.
• The coal-based Badarpur power plant will be shut down for ten days. There will be no-fly ash transportation from the power plant.
• The Environment Department will launch an app to monitor the burning of leaves.
• Vacuum cleaning of roads will start on 10 November.
• Water sprinkling will start on all roads from the next following days.
• People should stay at home as much as they can and they should try working from home.
• As per Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India scheme it is expected by 2030 all vehicles will be Battery electric and Hybrid
• All combustion engined vehicles will be upgraded to BS6 emission standards
• Any vehicle older than 10–15 years or below BS6 emissions will be banned
• Smog towers will be installed in the city to purify and clean the air
• The Pusa Bio-decomposer will help farmers harvest crops to prevent stubble burning.
• By 2021, the entire Delhi Metro is expected to be 100% powered by solar energy
• In 2022, the Punjab Government announced they will purchase maize, sorghum, pearl millet, sunflower and mung bean crops at MSP, encouraging farmers to adopt less water consuming options as a sustainable alternative to paddy and wheat in the wake of fast-depleting groundwater.

In October 2020, Delhi authorities established a 10-member air pollution control team working in a dedicated conference room. They examine complaints received through the "Green Delhi" mobile app. As of 2020, they also regulate construction dust and ban diesel generators. Air pollution is an issue of special concern during the COVID-19 pandemic because the virus can damage people's lungs and make them less able to cope with pollution.{{Cite web |date=8 October 2020 |title=Delhi Gets "Green War Room" To Bring Down Pollution Levels This Winter |url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-gets-green-war-room-to-bring-down-pollution-levels-this-winter-2307162 |access-date=2020-10-21 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite web |last1=Yeung |first1=Jessie |last2=Mitra |first2=Esha |last3=Sud |first3=Vedika |date=21 October 2020 |title=India's pollution season could serve a double blow during Covid-19 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/21/asia/india-pollution-covid-intl-hnk-scn-wellness/index.html |access-date=2020-10-21 |website=CNN}}

On 25 November 2017, the Supreme Court of India banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi to alleviate pollution.{{cite news |title=Supreme Court bans sale of firecrackers in Delhi, NCR |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/SC-bans-sale-of-fire-crackers-in-Delhi-NCR/articleshow/55617850.cms? |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=Times of India}}

In another measure, the extremely polluting Badarpur power plant was permanently.......

shut down on 15 October 2018.{{Cite web |last=Goswami |first=Sweta |date=5 October 2018 |title=Badarpur thermal plant, Delhi's biggest power generator, to shut down from October 15 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421060942/https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html |archive-date=21 April 2019 |access-date=10 November 2018 |website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |last=Shrangi |first=Vatsala |date=16 October 2018 |title=Badarpur power plant shut, action plan to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR comes into force |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-power-plant-shut-action-plan-to-tackle-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-comes-into-force/story-Exu4ZryrjCEYZN2Wzpgs9H.html |access-date=10 November 2018 |work=Hindustan Times}} Recently in October, 2020 union environment ministry has formed a commission for Air Quality Management in National capital region and Adjoining Area Ordinance.{{Cite web |last=Nihar |date=27 October 2020 |title=Air pollution: Centre issues ordinance to form new commission to replace EPCA |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-issues-ordinance-to-form-new-commission-to-replace-sc-mandated-epca/story-nWagkwXA33KzD42FbWsTFN.html |access-date=2020-10-29 |website=hindustantimes.com |language=en}}

In 2023, the Supreme Court advised the Punjab Government to reconsider the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009, a state law aimed at conserving groundwater. The law prohibits sowing of paddy seeds before 10 May every year and transplantation before 10 June. It allows the crop to be sown only during the monsoon months and as a result encourages stubble burning due to restricted cultivation period.{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Akshat |date=2023-11-09 |title=What is the Punjab groundwater conservation law & why it's being blamed for Delhi's air pollution |url=https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/what-is-the-punjab-groundwater-conservation-law-why-its-being-blamed-for-delhis-air-pollution/1838049/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}

{{Infobox event

| title = Great Smog of 2016

| image = Low visibility due to Smog at New Delhi Railway station 31st Dec 2017 after 9AM DSCN8829 1.jpg

| caption = Low visibility due to Smog at New Delhi railway station 31 December 2017. Railway building is not visible.

| time =

| place = Delhi, India

| coordinates =

| cause =

| casualties1 =

| casualties2 =

}}

The Great Smog of Delhi was a severe air-pollution event in New Delhi and adjoining areas in the National Capital Territory of India.{{cite web |last=Goswami |first=Sweta |date=7 November 2016 |title=Delhi's worst smog yet wakes up govt, emergency measures announced |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-sees-season-s-worst-air-quality-kejriwal-announces-emergency-steps/story-J11rGcyCdk2wn6T4jqxG2O.html |work=Hindustan Times}} Air pollution in 2016 peaked on both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ levels.{{cite web |date=2 November 2016 |title=Delhi wakes up to hazardous pollution levels, reduced visibility due to smog |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-wakes-up-to-hazardous-pollution-levels-low-visibility-due-to-smog-3733302/ |work=Indian Express}} It was reported as one of the worst levels of air quality in Delhi since 1980.{{cite web |date=8 November 2016 |title=Delhi pollution: Government issues health advisory as smog chokes city |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-pollution-government-issues-health-advisory-as-smog-chokes-city/story-byUVNCraAWGH5CQ3usVsaN.html |work=Hindustan Times}}

Low visibility resulted in accidents across the city, notably a 24-vehicle pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway.{{Cite news |title=Blinding Smog Causes 24-Vehicle Pile-Up on Expressway Near Delhi |url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhis-toxic-smog-leads-to-24-car-accident-on-yamuna-expressway-1772758 |access-date=9 November 2017 |work=NDTV.com}}

"The Great Smog" also led to cancellation and delay of public transport, primarily trains and flights.{{Cite news |date=6 November 2016 |title=Delhi wakes up to dense smog; train services suspended due to low visibility |url=http://www.timesnownews.com/india/video/delhi-smog-delhi-pollution-latest-updates-delhi-weather-updates-new-delhi-ncr-chandigarh-air/120194 |access-date=9 November 2017 |work=timesnownews.com |agency=Times Now Bureau}}

; Source of pollution

Majority of analysis sources are hinted towards colder weather, stagnant winds trapping the various sources of smoke. The primary sources of smoke are power plants, stubble burning, lit garbage, road dust, factories, and vehicles.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

On 7 November 2016 the PM_2.5 levels in Delhi shot up to a high of 999, much above the recommended 60 micrograms. At the same time, PM₁₀ also shot up to 999 (the maximum level for the monitors), instead of the recommended limit of 100.

Again, on 8 November 2016 the PM_2.5 levels shot up to 449. At the same time PM₁₀ levels shot up to 663.{{cite web |date=8 November 2016 |title=Delhi Smog and band aid efforts to patch it |url=http://theindependent.in/delhi-and-band-aid-efforts-to-patch-it/ |publisher=theindependent.in}}

The temperature in New Delhi during this period was from {{convert|15|to|29|°C}}.

According to a real-time source apportionment study conducted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in 2023, the burning of local organic waste—which includes wood, cow dung cakes, and agricultural or other waste burned for heating needs—contributes 24% to PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi during the winter season, when the demand for household heating rises. During this period, the impact of local sources such as the transport sector also increases, contributing approximately 23% to PM2.5{{Cite web |title=दिल्ली में बढ़ता वायु प्रदूषण संकट: बदलते स्रोतों, AQI रुझानों और स्थानीय-क्षेत्रीय योगदान का गहन विश्लेषण |url=https://www.teriin.org/article/delhi-vayu-pradhushan-stotra-aqi-sthaniya-vishleshan |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.teriin.org |language=en}} levels (TERI, 2019).

During the second day of the third test of Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2017-18 at Delhi, the smog forced Sri Lanka cricketers to stop playing and wear anti-pollution masks. Cricketer Lahiru Gamage reported to have shortness of breath.{{Cite news |title=Pollution stops play at Delhi test match as bowlers struggle to breathe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/03/pollution-stops-play-at-delhi-test-match-as-bowlers-struggle-to-breathe}} Nic Pothas, coach of Sri Lankan cricket team, reported that cricketer Suranga Lakmal had vomited regularly due to severe pollution effect on the Delhi ground. There was a halt of play from 12:32 pm to 12:49 pm which caused Indian coach Ravi Shastri to come out aggressively and have a talk with the field umpire David Boon.{{Cite web |title=India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test: "Angry" Ravi Shastri Marched on to the Field. Twitter Trolled Him {{pipe}} Cricket News |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017-18/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-angry-ravi-shastri-marched-on-to-the-field-twitter-trolled-him-1783278 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031175252/https://amp.sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017-18/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-angry-ravi-shastri-marched-on-to-the-field-twitter-trolled-him-1783278?akamai-rum=off |archive-date=31 October 2018 |access-date=31 October 2018}}

A Health Emergency was declared in the capital by the Central Government of India to cope with the extrusive amount of polluted air. The day was declared as a holiday for schools, offices and other government centres.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

; Health effects

The government of Delhi has declared a health advisory for the following.

• Breathlessness
• Chest constriction
• Irritation in eyes
• Asthma
• Allergy

File:2018 Air Pollution in NewDelhi (PM2.5 AQI).svg, air quality index.]]

The Indian Meteorological Department has air quality monitoring stations in Mathura Road, Delhi (Jor Bagh area), IGI Airport, IITM Delhi,{{clarify|What is IITM?|date=November 2021}} Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (Ghaziabad area), Dhirpur, Delhi Technological University, Pitampura, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (Rohini), Aya Nagar (Gurgaon), and Noida.{{cite web|title=Monitoring Stations|url=http://safar.tropmet.res.in/|website=System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune|publisher=Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt.of India|access-date=2 June 2015|date=2015}} The air pollution monitor of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi covers the area of Chanakyapuri.{{cite web|title=Air Quality Data|url=http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/airqualitydata.html|publisher=usembassy|access-date=30 May 2015|location=New Delhi, India|date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611125821/http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/airqualitydata.html|archive-date=11 June 2015|url-status=dead}}

To contend with the poor air quality, embassies and international businesses in Delhi are considering reducing staff tenures, advising staff to reconsider bringing their children to Delhi, providing high-end air purifiers, and installing expensive air purifiers in their offices.{{cite news |url=https://air8.tech/air-purifier-for-offices/ |title=Air Cleaning Technology: Air Purifier for Offices |work=Air Eight |access-date=18 March 2019 }}{{Cite web|date=November 17, 2021|first1=Amit|last1=Bhardwaj|first2=Milan|last2=Sharma|title=Delhi-NCR schools, colleges shut till further notice; offices asked to do 50% WFH as air quality dips|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/schools-colleges-delhi-ncr-remain-shut-till-further-notice-poor-air-quality-1877521-2021-11-17|access-date=2021-11-17|website=India Today|language=en}}

On 14 November 2021 the air quality index of Delhi reached 465 and in response to the severe air quality index, the Delhi government announced the closure of all educational institutions for a week from November 15 after the Supreme Court raised concerns over the deteriorating air quality index.{{Cite web|title=School Closed: प्रदूषण के कारण दिल्ली के बाद हरियाणा के इन चार जिलों में भी बंद हुए स्कूल|url=https://www.aajtak.in/education/news/story/school-closed-in-haryana-4-districts-schools-shuts-till-november-17-due-to-air-pollution-lbse-1357209-2021-11-15|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Aaj Tak|date=15 November 2021 |language=hi}}{{Cite web|title=दिल्ली: 'एयर इमरजेंसी' पर हड़कंप, प्रदूषण को लेकर सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने की तीखी टिप्पणी|url=https://www.aajtak.in/programmes/aaj-subah/video/air-emergency-crisis-in-delhi-ncr-supreme-court-hearing-on-pollution-firecrackers-stubble-burning-1358397-2021-11-17|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Aaj Tak|date=17 November 2021 |language=hi}} On 17 November as there was no improvement of the condition of the air quality index in Delhi. The Commission for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM) directed that all schools, colleges and educational institutions will be closed until further notice, in Delhi and in NCR. Other than this the entry of trucks has been banned in Delhi; all construction activities have been halted until 21 November 2021 and 6 out of 11 thermal power plants in Delhi in a radius of 300 km have been shut down until 30 November, in an effort to reduce pollution and improve the air quality index.{{Cite web|title=Pollution: दिल्ली-NCR के स्कूल-कॉलेज अगले आदेश तक बंद, दफ्तरों और कंस्ट्रक्शन पर भी पाबंदियां|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/delhi-ncr-schools-colleges-shut-till-further-notice-office-work-from-home-construction-ntc-1358241-2021-11-17|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Aaj Tak|date=17 November 2021 |language=hi}}{{Cite web|title=Watch: Delhi schools to reopen from Nov 29|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/watch-delhi-schools-to-reopen-from-nov-29-1881712-2021-11-28|access-date=2021-11-29|website=India Today|date=28 November 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Delhi: वायु गुणवत्ता बेहद खराब श्रेणी में, चिंताजनक हालात के बीच खोले गए स्कूल-कॉलेज|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/video/delhi-school-reopen-amid-poor-air-quality-very-poor-category-pollution-1364750-2021-11-29|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Aaj Tak|date=29 November 2021 |language=hi}}

The Delhi government said that to control the pollution in Delhi they will also be adding 1000 extra CNG buses to the fleet. The Civil Defense Unit will also be checking the registrations and pollution certificates of the cars randomly to curb the pollution. Diesel cars above 10 years and Petrol cars above 15 years of age are banned in Delhi due to the pollution they cause.{{Cite web|title=Delhi Pollution पर एक्शन... 1000 एक्स्ट्रा CNG बसें उतरेंगी, गैस आधारित इंडस्ट्री को छोड़ बाकी पर बैन|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/delhi-pollution-ban-on-construction-work-from-home-delhi-gov-action-ntc-1358449-2021-11-17|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Aaj Tak|date=17 November 2021 |language=hi}}

The Supreme Court of India also suggested that government officers living in government colonies should either commute by car pooling together or by public transport.{{Cite twitter |title=Supreme Court suggests that Central government officers living in government colonies travel in public transport |user=ani |number=1460867576242704384|access-date=2021-11-17|website=Twitter|language=en}}

On 18 November, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board announced that schools will no longer be closed due to air pollution in Noida and Ghaziabad.{{Cite web|title=Air Pollution: नोएडा-गाजियाबाद में नहीं बंद होंगे स्कूल-कॉलेज, DM का फैसला हुआ वापस|url=https://www.aajtak.in/education/news/story/air-pollution-in-delhi-updates-school-colleges-to-remain-open-in-noida-ghaziabad-says-up-pollution-control-board-lbse-1358912-2021-11-18|access-date=2021-11-18|website=Aaj Tak|date=18 November 2021 |language=hi}}

In view of pollution, the demand for air purifiers has increased significantly in Delhi-NCR. According to the available data, out of the total sales in the country, 70% of the demand is coming from Delhi-NCR. However, companies say that the demand for air purifiers has increased from other parts of the country as well.{{Cite web|title=दमघोंटू हवा ने बढ़ा दी Air purifiers की बिक्री, खरीदने वाले 70% लोग दिल्ली-NCR से|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/pollution-leads-to-rise-in-sales-of-air-purifiers-70-percent-sale-comes-from-delhi-ncr-ntc-1359002-2021-11-18|access-date=2021-11-18|website=Aaj Tak|date=18 November 2021 |language=hi}}

The Delhi Government on 27 November 2021, banned the entry of commercial petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi in view of the increasing pollution in Delhi.{{Cite web|title=Pollution Update: दिल्ली पर प्रदूषण की मार, राजधानी की हवा आज भी बेहद खराब, 3 दिसंबर तक इन गाड़ियों पर रोक|url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/air-quality-index-today-27-nov-delhi-pollution-government-bans-entry-on-commercial-petrol-diesel-vehicles-due-to-poor-aqi-lbs-1363811-2021-11-27|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Aaj Tak|date=27 November 2021 |language=hi}}{{Cite web|date=November 2, 2021|title=AQI crisis: Delhi bans entry of commercial petrol and diesel vehicles till Dec 3; CNG, EVs exempted|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/pollution-spike-delhi-bans-entry-of-petrol-and-diesel-vehicles-till-dec-3-cng-evs-exempted-1880762-2021-11-25|access-date=2021-11-29|website=India Today|language=en}} On 1 March 2025, the Delhi Government decided that fuel stations will stop providing fuel to vehicles older than 15 years starting 1 April 2025, in an effort to reduce vehicular air pollution.{{Cite news |date=2025-03-01 |title=From April, no fuel for vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi as government tightens rules to tackle pollution |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/from-april-no-fuel-for-vehicles-older-than-15-years-in-delhi-as-government-tightens-rules-to-tackle-pollution/articleshow/118648283.cms |access-date=2025-03-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

In December 2017 during a test match between Sri Lankan and Indian cricket teams in New Delhi, Sri Lanka players began to feel breathing problems and several players vomited both in the restrooms and in the field and had to use face masks until the match was stopped.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/03/pollution-stops-play-at-delhi-test-match-as-bowlers-struggle-to-breathe|title=Pollution stops play at Delhi Test match as bowlers struggle to breathe|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=3 December 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 December 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}

In the opinion of the Indian Medical Association president, the match should never have taken place and the ICC should have a policy on pollution.{{Cite journal|last1=Hartman|first1=F. C.|last2=LaMuraglia|first2=G. M.|last3=Tomozawa|first3=Y.|last4=Wolfenden|first4=R.|date=1975-12-02|title=The influence of pH on the interaction of inhibitors with triosephosphate isomerase and determination of the pKa of the active-site carboxyl group|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/47|journal=Biochemistry|volume=14|issue=24|pages=5274–5279|doi=10.1021/bi00695a007|issn=0006-2960|pmid=47}}

In November 2024, pollution levels in Delhi reached drastic measures following increased fire activity in India and Pakistan's Punjab region as farmers burn off excess straw, caused a significant smog on the morning of 8 November, causing it to momentarily become the most polluted city in the world. Delhi again became the most polluted city in the world on 12 November, reaching an AQI reading of 1,200.{{Cite web |last=Shafiq |first=Saman |title=India, Pakistan blanketed in smog so thick, it's visible from space: See pictures |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/12/india-pakistan-toxic-smog-smoke/76222117007/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

{{portal|Global warming|Environment}}

{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}

• Air pollution measurement
• Criteria air pollutants
• Air pollutant concentrations
• Emission standard
• Environmental issues in Delhi
• List of most polluted cities by particulate matter concentration
• Air quality index
• Haze
• Wet cooling tower

{{div col end}}

• [https://digishiv.com/check-air-quality-index/ CHECK AIR QUALITY INDEX]

{{Reflist}}

• Cherni, Judith A. Economic Growth versus the Environment: The Politics of Wealth, Health and Air Pollution (2002) [https://www.questia.com/library/102251606/economic-growth-versus-the-environment-the-politics online]
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• Dholakia, H.H., Purohit, P., Rao, S., Garg, A. 2013. Impact of current policies on future air quality and health outcomes in Delhi, India. Atmospheric Environment, 75, 241-248, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.04.052]
• Amann, M., Purohit, P., Bertok, I., Bhandarkar, A.D., Borken-Kleefeld, J., Cofala, J., Harshvardhan, B., Heyes, C., Kiesewetter, G., Klimont, Z., Jun, L., Majumdar, D., Ngyuen, B., Rafaj, P., Rao., P.S., Sander, R., Schöpp, W., Shrivastava, A. 2017. Managing future air quality in megacities: A case study for Delhi. Atmospheric Environment, 161: 99–111. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231017302856]
• Bhanarkar, A.D., Purohit, P., Rafaj, P., Amann, M., Bertok, I., Cofala, J., Rao, P.S., HarshaVardhan, B., Kiesewetter, G., Sander, R., Schöpp, W., Majumdar, D., Srivastava, A., Deshmukh, S., Kawarti, A., Kumar, R. 2018. Managing future air quality in megacities: Co-benefit assessment for Delhi. Atmospheric Environment, Vol. 186, pp. 158–177 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.05.026]
• Bhalla, N., O'Boyle, J., & Haun, D. (2019). Who is responsible for Delhi air pollution? Indian newspapers' framing of causes and solutions. International Journal of Communication, 13, 24. [https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/8312/2521]

• [http://www.cpcb.gov.in/cpcbpa/index.aspx?state=delhi/Delhi Air Quality Public Advisory ]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• [http://aqicn.org/map/world/ Global real-time air quality index map]
• [http://www.urbanairquality.org/ International Conference on Urban Air Quality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216144156/http://www.urbanairquality.org/ |date=16 December 2008 }}.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927100158/http://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/en/index.html Database: outdoor air pollution in cities] from the World Health Organization
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160104165807/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/ World Health Organization Fact Sheet on Air quality and health]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035825/http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0301.pdf Impact assessment of the mortality effects of longer-term exposure to air pollution: exploring cause-specific mortality and susceptibility] by BG Miller. Institute of Occupational Medicine Research Report TM/03/01
• [http://www.youngbhartiya.com/article/the-city-that-can-t-breathe-inflating-air-pollution-in-delhi-1 Inflating Air Pollution in Delhi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928071527/http://www.youngbhartiya.com/article/the-city-that-can-t-breathe-inflating-air-pollution-in-delhi-1 |date=28 September 2018 }}
• [https://opentalk.to/listen/dr.-as-soin-on-delhi-air-emergency.-pd-96c72c2fbae521bf Dr AS Soin on Delhi Air Emergency Opentalk] Arvinder Singh Soin Opentalk with Sumit Jain
• [https://www.indiacontent.in/search-topic/delhi-air Delhi Air Quality Image Collections]

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Category:Social issues in India

Category:Air pollution in India

Category:New Delhi

Category:Environment of Delhi

Category:Smog events