Delhi prepares for toxic winter air with early action plan

The Delhi government has announced a four-month Winter Action Plan starting November 1 to tackle the city's recurring severe air pollution during winter months, BBC World reported.

Delhi and its surrounding satellite cities experience some of the highest pollution levels globally, which worsen in winter due to falling temperatures and slower winds that trap pollutants near the ground, according to BBC World.

Additional pollution sources include smoke from crop residue burning in neighboring states, vehicle and factory emissions, construction dust, and firecrackers used during festivals, contributing to hazardous air quality.

Experts view the early announcement of the Winter Action Plan as a positive step, contrasting with previous years when measures were implemented only after pollution levels had already spiked.

Residents like Meenu Rana are already preparing for the worsening air quality by using air purifiers, reflecting the annual challenge faced by Delhi's population during the winter season.