Thick, oppressive smog has descended on Delhi, shrouding the city in a thick gray haze that obscures buildings and monuments, reducing visibility on main roads and casting a dim, dull glow across the horizon. Toxic air has choked the bustling capital, where mornings now begin in a surreal, almost ghostly calm, as muffled sounds echo through the fog and headlights struggle to pierce the dense air.

The level of pollution has entered “severe” category for the first time this season on Wednesday, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 429, a sharp increase from Tuesday’s 24-hour average of 334.

This marked change, visible in every corner of the city, forced residents to struggle in a stifling, almost unbreathable atmosphere filled with dangerous particles.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that 32 of Delhi’s 36 monitoring stations indicated “severe” air quality, painting a grim picture for residents facing a toxic atmosphere that threatens public health. The air is full of particles, including PM10, tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and cause breathing problems. These particles, emitted by dust, vehicle exhaust and industrial sources, remain suspended in cold, still air, forming a dense, persistent fog.

Compounding the crisis, Delhi’s air quality is exacerbated by PM2.5, particles even finer than PM10 that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and bloodstream. PM2.5 levels, which include pollutants from stubble burning and urban emissions, were recorded Wednesday morning at more than 120 times the limits recommended by the World Health Organization, according to IQAir.

With long-term exposure, such pollution increases the risks of respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease and cancer, creating a widespread health risk for millions of people.

Seasonal drop in temperatures, coupled with calm winds and high humidity, have trapped pollutants close to the ground, creating impenetrable smog that blurs the horizon. On Wednesday, the temperature dropped to 17 degrees Celsius, accentuating the dense morning and evening haze that hangs in the air, while the streets remained silent under the weight of pollution.

Delhi’s winter smog, a toxic mix of smoke, dust and emissions, settles on the city every year, brought on by cold temperatures, stagnant air and farm fires in neighboring areas. With visibility reduced to 50 meters in some areas, the Indian Meteorological Department warns that dense fog is likely to persist for several days in northwest India.

As Delhi residents face another winter in the grip of this dangerous smog, the urgent need for long-term solutions and coordinated action becomes even more pressing.