Name: Indian, Pakistani cities suffer seasonal air pollution
Uploaded: 2025-10-26T15:08:58.424Z
Duration: 2 min 13 s
Description: A blanket of toxic smog shrouding big cities in northern India and Pakistan is forcing vulnerable residents indoors, and exposing millions more to respiratory hazards. Efforts to combat the annually recurring problem have so far had little impact.

A blanket of toxic smog shrouding big cities in northern India and Pakistan is forcing vulnerable residents indoors, and exposing millions more to respiratory hazards. Efforts to combat the annually recurring problem have so far had little impact.

Delhi

Cities in northern India, including New Delhi, and Pakistan's Lahore are experiencing seasonal air pollution, with air quality fluctuating between poor and very poor. The smog, attributed to crop burning, firecracker use during festivals, and transport emissions, is causing health issues such as respiratory problems and eye irritation, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.

Authorities in both countries have introduced measures like green firecrackers and alternative farming methods, but the effectiveness has been mixed. Residents and health professionals are calling for more permanent solutions as the pollution remains a recurring and significant problem each year.

Indian, Pakistani cities suffer seasonal air pollution

The polluted streets of New Delhi are now a staple part of the calendar. A smog descends over large swathes of northern India with alarming regularity. Over the last several days, air quality has oscillated between poor and very poor, with the toxic haze felt sharply by the tens of millions who live, work and travel in the area. We should only go out when wearing a mask and drink more water. I've been exploring Delhi for the past two to three days and I often experience a burning sensation. Doctors say those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk when exposed to the contaminated air. Many patients are feeling chest tightness in the night and this worsening of the underlying condition, if a person has asthma, COPD, his wheezing or his breathlessness is increasing. They're not able to breathe. The burning of crops along with the prolific use of firecrackers during Diwali and transport emissions are all attributed to the smog at this time of year. There has been a push to introduce so-called green firecrackers to reduce pollution and a campaign for farmers to use machines to clear their fields rather than burning the straw left after the grain is harvested. In neighbouring Pakistan, where smog has engulfed large parts of the city of Lahore, locals are also suffering. It's causing breathing problems and itching of the eyes. The smog has intensified in the last two to three days. The government should think about finding a permanent solution to it. It comes every year around this time and causes a lot of inconvenience. Authorities here say they are also trying to tackle the issue, but the strategies have produced mixed results, with pollution across northern India and Pakistan a prevailing and now predictable problem.

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