Indian Cities Among World's Most Polluted Following Diwali
Despite Firecracker Ban, Delhi's Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
- Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are among the world's top ten most polluted cities following the Diwali festival, with Delhi taking the top spot.
- Despite a ban on firecrackers, many were set off during Diwali celebrations, contributing to the spike in pollution levels.
- Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, with an AQI of 420, according to Swiss group IQAir.
- Beijing has significantly improved its air quality over the past decade through a range of measures, including banning new coal capacities and promoting electric cars.
- Delhi's efforts to improve air quality have shown some results, but the city still needs to reduce PM2.5 levels by another 60% to meet clear air standards.
BBC 
Reuters 
Al Jazeera 
South China Morning Post 
CNA 
