Delhi authorities activate emergency measures to combat rising air pollution

Delhi authorities activated the second level of an emergency plan to curb emissions in the Indian capital as air quality reached very poor levels.

The city recorded an air quality index of 377 on November 4. Officials implemented these measures to counter a combination of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and smoke from agricultural waste burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.

To reduce traffic congestion, the government ordered local administrations to shift office hours and increased parking fees for private cars. The Delhi Metro added 20 extra trips during weekdays to encourage the use of public transport. Authorities also intensified the cleaning of city roads to manage dust and pollutants. The Supreme Court of India permitted the use of certified low-emission firecrackers for a limited time during the Diwali festival on November 7 and 8.

People may only use these fireworks between 6:00 to 7:00 and 20:00 to 22:00 local time. Police will check QR codes at sales points to seize illegal products and enforce a ban on fireworks within 300 meters of schools, hospitals, and designated quiet zones.