It's not stubble burning or firecrackers: Delhi is choking on its own emissions |
There is no stubble burning in Delhi’s neighbouring states, no firecrackers accompanying festivals, and the winter chill has not yet peaked. Yet, Delhi’s AQI surged to Severe (from December 13 onward). Why did this happen, and what does it teach us?
This AQI may soon recede to Very Poor, but it will return, playing hide-and-seek for at least another month. Despite the hourly capping of PM 2.5 at 380 µg/m³ (equivalent to AQI 500), software glitches, and other much-discussed constraints, the AQI nearly hit 500, revealing a grim reality and offering a sobering lesson.
Such extremes occur when pollution consistently persists at peak levels for prolonged periods (24-48 hours or more),........