Toxic smog blanketing India, Pakistan is visible from space

A thick layer of toxic smog now blankets large parts of India and Pakistan, as air quality continues to deteriorate to dangerous levels.
Nasa recently released satellite images revealing the extent of the pollution, which spans the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain across both countries. This annual crisis is exacerbated by a combination of farm fires, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution.
In Punjab, farm fires have crossed the 7,000 mark, with 418 new cases reported on Monday alone. These fires, often set to clear crop residue, have led to “poor” air quality in many areas, while Chandigarh’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the “very poor” category.

The region’s worsening air quality is not solely a result of crop burning. (Photo: PTI)

In Pakistan’s Punjab province, similar conditions persist, with authorities banning most outdoor activities and enforcing early closures for shops, markets, and malls to curb pollution-related illnesses.
The smog’s impact is particularly severe in Pakistan’s Lahore, where air quality levels have frequently exceeded AQI 300, reaching hazardous levels of PM2.5 particles.
In response, Pakistani authorities have implemented emergency measures, including school closures, partial lockdowns, and temporary halts to construction activities to mitigate the health risks.

The smog’s impact is particularly severe in Pakistan’s Lahore. (Photo: Nasa)

The region’s worsening air quality is not solely a result of crop burning. According to Nasa scientist Pawan Gupta, other significant contributors include dust from the Thar Desert and urban pollution sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.
The geography of the Indo-Gangetic Plain worsens the situation, as temperature inversions common in winter trap pollutants close to the ground. Hemmed in by the Himalayas to the north and the Vindhya Range to the south, pollutants remain trapped, forming a toxic air bubble over the region.
Experts warn the worst is likely still to come. Hiren Jethva, a senior Nasa research scientist, projects between 15,500 and 18,500 farm fires this year, based on vegetation data.

People commute on a smoggy morning in Peshawar, Pakistan. (Photo: Reuters)

While not as severe as record years in 2016 and 2021, this year’s figures are among the highest since 2002.
UNICEF on Monday urged urgent action to reduce pollution and protect children’s health, noting that over 11 million children under five in Punjab are at risk from the toxic air.
Additionally, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi government to decide by November 25 on a potential permanent ban on firecrackers, as pollution levels continue to surge.