Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Haze as Pollution Levels Soar

On October 20th, 2025, India's capital New Delhi and its sprawling metropolitan region were engulfed in a dense, toxic haze as air pollution levels skyrocketed. Monitoring data showed that levels of PM2.5 - the cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream - reached 248 micrograms per cubic meter in parts of the city, over 16 times the World Health Organization's recommended daily maximum.

The severe air pollution crisis is a regular occurrence in Delhi, with the city and its surrounding region consistently ranked among the world's most polluted capitals. Cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly mix of emissions from crop burning, factories, and heavy traffic. However, the situation has been exacerbated in recent days by the Diwali festival, during which fireworks are traditionally set off, further contributing to the spike in pollution levels.

In response, the government's Commission of Air Quality Management has implemented a set of measures to curb pollution, including ensuring uninterrupted power supply to reduce the use of diesel generators. Authorities have also announced plans to trial cloud seeding by aircraft for the first time over Delhi this month, a practice of firing salt or other chemicals into clouds to induce rain and clear the air. As the pollution crisis continues, the health impacts on the region's over 30 million residents remain a major concern.