Delhi releases winter action plan to tackle rising air pollution levels

The Delhi government has announced a four-month winter action plan to combat severe air pollution, BBC News World and the BBC reported. The measures come as falling temperatures and slower wind speeds cause air quality to worsen across the city and its satellite areas at the onset of winter. [1][2]

According to BBC News World, Delhi and its surrounding satellite cities record some of the highest pollution levels in the world throughout the year. Local residents are preparing for months of breathing toxic air as the festive season and winter approach, with some setting up home air purifiers to cope with the stuffy morning conditions. [1]

Authorities have taken additional experimental steps to address the environmental crisis. According to the New Indian Express, officials conducted two cloud-seeding trials in Delhi within a 15-day period amid rising pollution levels. [6]

Delhi is a megacity and union territory of India that includes the national capital of New Delhi, spanning an area of 1,484 square kilometres. As FTMQ World reported earlier, the capital has also faced recent public disruptions, including major security lockdowns and political protests over election administration. [7][10]

Environmental experts cited by BBC News World warned that the government's four-month plan will not be enough to prevent severe winter smog. Air quality is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days as weather conditions worsen. [1]