The air quality in Delhi has been worsening with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the ‘severe category’ for many consecutive days. The deteriorating air quality in the national capital is a result of multiple factors including, vehicular emissions and smoke from the stubble burning in neighbouring states of Delhi, among others. Now, satellite images by NASA indicate air pollution stretches beyond Delhi.

The images captured by Worldview satellite pictures show a layer of toxic smog stretching all the way from Pakistan to the Bay of Bengal. This indicates, that Delhi is not alone in suffering worsening air quality but many other states in North India could be facing a similar problem.

The layer of smog stretching from Punjab to the Bay of Bengal could be a result of several polluting factors, including the rise in farm fires in Punjab and Haryana.

Recently the data shared by NASA showed a massive rise in farm fires in north India. The US space agency revealed that there was a 740% increase in farm fires. Only on October 29, 1,068 cases of stubble burning were reported from Punjab, NDTV reported.

Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi has reached an alarming level with many areas reporting ‘severe’ air quality on Wednesday morning. The deteriorating air quality in the national capital before Diwali has led the authorities to invoke Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), which includes implementing a range of anti-pollution measures, banning the diesel trucks and a complete ban on construction activities in the city. The Delhi government has also directed the schools to conduct online classes instead of physical classes.

Amid the worsening air quality, the Supreme Court has also directed the governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to urgently look into the situation and undertake the required measures to curb the stubble burning.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)