in India, New Delhi is hit by an episode of heavy pollution

The Indian capital is suffocating again: for several days, fine particle air pollution in New Delhi has been more than 15 times higher than WHO recommendations. Just take to the streets: when the cars, buses and rickshaws rush off at the ITO intersection in the city center, they all leave behind a metallic gray air that stings the eyes. Impossible to escape, the entire capital lives under this toxic cloud.

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Raj Kumar, an open scooter driver, wears a simple cotton cloth around his mouth to protect himself: “When a bus starts in front of you, it’s like you’re swallowing poison. During this season, pollution is hell. To avoid getting sick, I eat more vegetables, it strengthens the body“, he assures.

In winter, pollution explodes in New Delhi. The main culprits: its more than ten million vehicles, whose emissions mix with the low clouds of the season. To remedy this, the regional government purchased 700 electric buses and banned cars over 15 years old. Pollution has been falling in recent years, but only marginally. The richest, like Vikrant, therefore hide away: “During pollution peaks, I wear a mask, use an air purifier at home, and I only travel in a closed vehicle. Or I stay at home“.

Pollution is expected to get even worse in the days to come, with the arrival of smoke from agricultural fires in neighboring regions.