Environmental conditions have deteriorated drastically across northern India following Diwali festivities, with major cities recording hazardous air quality levels. Data indicates that a vast majority of the world’s most polluted urban centers are located in India, where the AQI in places like Delhi, Bhopal, and parts of Haryana surged past the 400 mark, falling into the “severe” category. International health research highlights that prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter poses severe health risks, potentially leading to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular complications for citizens, prompting renewed scrutiny over effective pollution control and stubble-burning management.
