Delhi is facing extremely high air pollution levels, making the air dangerous to breathe. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recently reached 1,500, which is 15 times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe. This has caused serious problems, and a ban on construction work in the city.

Just a few weeks ago, Lahore in Pakistan had similar pollution levels, and experts believe Delhi’s situation may get worse. The Indian government has classified the air as ¨severe plus¨ after the AQI reached 450. To help, officials have restricted trucks, closed schools, and asked half of the workforce to work from home. They have also banned certain activities like using coal to reduce pollution.

Delhi and other northern states experience this pollution every year between October and January. This happens due to vehicle emissions, crop burning, and low winds that trap the smoke. Despite the efforts by the government the problem has not improved.

On Monday, Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi said there is a ¨medical emergency¨ because of the unchecked crop burning in nearby states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Political parties are blaming each other for not solving the issue. 

Residents of Delhi are feeling the effects of the pollution. One person on social media shared, ¨Woke up with a sore throat…even with the two air purifiers running, the air inside is still not safe.¨ Another user called for action, saying, ¨The air we breathe is lethally toxic, we need to protest to bring change.¨