Severe Smog Blankets Delhi Ahead of Diwali, Linked to Punjab Stubble Fires

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, with visibility dropping to a few metres and the Air Quality Index soaring into the hazardous range. Meteorological data shows that the surge in particulate matter coincides with a spike in stubble burning across fields in neighboring Punjab.

The Delhi government has issued health advisories, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and vulnerable groups to stay indoors. Schools in several districts have been temporarily closed, and the municipal corporation has deployed additional air‑purifying units in high‑traffic areas.

The worsening pollution has also sparked a political row between the Delhi administration and the Punjab state government, each blaming the other for inadequate coordination on fire‑prevention measures. Officials from both sides have pledged to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter penalties for illegal burning as the festive season approaches.

Air‑quality experts warn that the smog could persist until the monsoon arrives, urging citizens to use masks and follow real‑time AQI updates.