New Delhi has been ranked once more as one of the most polluted cities in the world as air quality levels fell into the “severe” category this week. A thick layer of smog blanketed the capital city, raising health warnings and reviving calls for action urgently to stop polluting air.

Dangerous Levels of Pollution

According to real-time information of the Air Quality Index (AQI), Delhi’s pollution levels were well over acceptable limits as PM2.5 concentrations–fine particles that pose a threat to the lungs – measuring over 20 times more than the recommended World Health Organization levels.

Experts in health warn that this exposure to radiation poses serious risks especially for the elderly, children and people suffering from heart or respiratory conditions.

Causes Behind the Smog

Many reasons have contributed to the city’s worsening air quality:

• Streaks of crop burning in states that border it, a seasonally issue that releases thick smoke into Delhi.
• Emissions from vehicles continue to be the main cause of air pollution in cities.
• Construction and industrial dust which adds to the mix of toxic substances.
• Conditions of the weather such as low wind speeds, which hold in air pollutants.

Public Health Concerns

Doctors across Delhi have reported an increase in patients who complained of breathing difficulties, coughing eye irritation, asthma that has been aggravated. Schools were advised to restrict outdoor activities, and authorities advised people to wear masks and stay clear of prolonged exposure to sunlight.

“The air has become hazardous to breathe,” said Dr. Ramesh Gupta, a Pulmonologist in the city. “If immediate steps aren’t taken, this will become a prolonged health emergency.”

Government Response

The Delhi government has reinstated measures like limiting construction activities, installing anti-smog water sprinklers and encouraging residents to limit the number of vehicles they use. Officials are also pushing states around the world to clamp down on the practice of burning stubble.

Despite numerous attempts, critics say that the solutions are only temporary without much progress on longer-term initiatives like sustainable transportation systems and the adoption of renewable energy as well as regional coordination.

Global Spotlight

The poor air quality in Delhi has again brought it under international examination. Environmental protection agencies have noted that India is home to several of the most polluted cities in the world and air pollution is considered to be one of the nation’s most significant health issues for the public.

As winter draws nearer experts warn that the levels of pollution are likely to rise until structural reforms are made more rapid. For millions of Delhi residents there is a question of whether the clean air they breathe will ever shift from a dream to a reality.