Mist-spraying devices installed by authorities on light poles operate during rush-hour traffic to curb elevated air pollution levels on December 15th, 2025 in New Delhi, India. Air quality in the Indian capital remained in the 'severe' category, with pollution levels many times above the government's safe limit. Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Getty ImagesAfter several weeks of persistent toxic conditions, pollution levels in India’s capital, New Delhi, remain hazardous. Leading environmentalist Sunita Narain said air pollution was a great equaliser. “We will never clean up Delhi’s air by being nice to everybody, particularly the rich,” she said, adding that tackling pollution necessitated implementing uncomfortable decisions, not half measures.

Source: The Irish Times December 18, 2025 19:16 UTC