New Delhi, 22 September 2025 – Winters are yet to hit, but Delhi is already experiencing a surge in air pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 129 as of September 22, 2025, rated "Poor," with PM2.5 at 44 µg/m³ and PM10 at 210 µg/m³, creating a hazardous environment for residents.
Vehicular emissions release nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulates. Industrial operations emit heavy metals like lead, chromium, and zinc. Additionally, Punjab’s crop stubble burning (Parali) injects dense smoke and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Construction dust and urban waste fires exacerbate the crisis. Pre-monsoon iron levels on leaves exceed 2,700 mg/kg, poisoning ecosystems. NASA satellites confirm a thick haze across north India, altering regional temperatures by reflecting sunlight.
Dr. Munish Raizada, MD, FAAP, and president of the Bharatiya Liberal Party, condemns political inaction: “Delhi’s residents inhale PM2.5 and PM10 daily, shortening lifespans, while leaders prioritize blame over solutions.”
Mr. Tyagi, a commentator on X, warns that political rivalries between Punjab’s AAP and Delhi’s BJP may escalate Parali burning to highlight governance failures, worsening smog, after The Skin Doctor reported the first Parali incident in Punjab.
Surendra Nath, Director of Technology at Umeandus Technologies, advocates for Supreme Court-mandated pollution controls, urging deployment of PM2.5/PM10 filtration systems.
Air quality deteriorates from October to February, driven by Diwali fireworks, stubble burning, and stagnant winter air. On September 22, 2025, AQI fluctuated between 107 and 129, with 17 km/h winds and 60% humidity, offering minimal relief. Hotspots like Anand Vihar, ITO, and South Delhi record elevated chromium and nickel levels due to traffic congestion and dust storms. High-exposure zones such as railway stations, metro platforms, bus depots, and markets trap toxic fumes, endangering millions daily.
All Delhiites face risks, but children, the elderly, and asthmatics are most vulnerable. Inhaling this air is equivalent to smoking 1.8 cigarettes daily, causing wheezing, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Trees like banyan (Ficus benghalensis) and peepal (Ficus religiosa) absorb arsenic, cadmium, and lead, with toxins persisting post-monsoon, according to the article “Air Pollution in Delhi Leaves Behind a Toxic Trail on Trees” by Dr. Durga Prasad Tripathi, featured in The Science Matters.
Dr. Durga Prasad Tripathi, Senior Research Associate at IIT Delhi’s Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, warns: “Bioaccumulation in plants signals risks to humans via soil and food chains.”
Lax enforcement permits unchecked stubble burning, urban sprawl, and waste fires. Even resilient trees like neem (Azadirachta indica) reach saturation, underscoring the need for emission controls over green solutions.
Dr. Munish Raizada decries the “Triple Engine Sarkar” (central, Delhi state, and MCD) for failing to act, leaving Delhi a “toxic gas chamber.”