North India Faces Severe Pollution and Smog Disruptions
North India Faces Severe Pollution and Smog Disruptions
IN · Published Nov 7, 2026
• Northern India is experiencing hazardous air quality levels, with Bathinda, Punjab, ranking as the world's most polluted city with an AQI of
• Other cities in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh also feature in the top 10 most polluted cities globally, all with AQI levels above 500, categorised as hazardous. The pollution is attributed to a mix of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, crop residue burning, and low winter wind speeds. Smog and low visibility have disrupted air travel, with Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport cancelling 110 flights and delaying over 370 on 21 December 2025 due to poor visibility.

Impact & Risks

The hazardous air quality poses severe health risks to the entire population, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Smog has also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with flights being cancelled, delayed, or diverted. Ground transportation, including trains, has also been affected, with delays of up to 6-7 hours reported during smog episodes. The situation highlights the urgent need for measures to address air pollution in the region.

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