Emergency Declared as Smog Chokes Parts of India and Pakistan

### New Delhi Faces Medical Emergency Due to Toxic Smog

Authorities in New Delhi have taken drastic measures, including closing schools and advising residents to stay indoors, as the city grapples with toxic smog. This air pollution crisis, which has also affected neighboring Pakistan, is described as a medical emergency. New Delhi recorded the highest levels of air pollution worldwide, with air quality index readings soaring above 1,600. This far exceeds what is deemed hazardous, risking serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The pollution, intensified by agricultural practices such as rice stubble burning in the region, affects large parts of northern India and Pakistan annually in late fall. The situation in Punjab, Pakistan, reflects similar severity, leading to school closures and widespread health warnings. Measures in Pakistan include bans on outdoor events, remote work protocols, and cessation of construction activities. In Delhi, recent measures encompass closing primary schools and halting certain construction projects. The situation remains fluid, with additional restrictions pending future developments.

Low temperatures exacerbate the crisis by trapping pollutants, preventing their dispersion. While agricultural burning is a significant contributor, additional climatic factors worsen the air quality situation.