Delhi Gasps for Air as Toxic Haze Envelops the City

On October 20th, 2025, Delhi's air quality has taken a turn for the worse, with the city enveloped in a toxic haze. The Air Quality Index (AQI) near the ITO area has reached a concerning level of 284, firmly in the 'Poor' category.

The deteriorating air quality is taking a toll on the city's residents, particularly cyclists who are finding it increasingly difficult to catch their breath. Aryan Gupta, a local cyclist, has expressed his frustration, stating that the pollution makes it challenging for him to breathe, especially with his existing sinus condition.

While the bursting of firecrackers during the festive season has contributed to the problem, the larger issues lie in the persistent crop burning in neighboring states and the ever-increasing vehicle emissions. Delhi's landlocked geography traps the pollution, making it difficult to dissipate.

Experts suggest that addressing the crisis will require a multi-pronged approach, including the installation of smoke towers and the creation of artificial rain to tackle the pollution. However, the primary focus should be on curbing the root causes, such as crop burning and reducing vehicle emissions, to provide long-term relief to the city's residents.