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The air pollution of New Delhi, one of the most dangerous in the world for health, results from a combination of natural factors (cold, weak winds ...) and human (agricultural burnings, industrial and automotive emissions). Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP

For several days the Indian capital is plunged into fog and struck by a new wave of pollution with fine particles. These episodes are more and more frequent in New Delhi, the most polluted capital of the world. This is an opportunity for the municipality to launch today a plan of struggle that wants to be determined.

From our correspondent in Bangalore ,

In India, again this year, pollution levels are expected to continue to rise and a gradual action plan is planned. For example, generators are currently banned not only in Delhi but also in many surrounding suburbs. The most polluting vehicles, including trucks are also banned from circulation. Waste incinerators will limit their activity. If this is not enough, more radical measures are planned: distribution of anti-pollution masks, alternating traffic, increase in the number of metros or even total stop of all construction sites in the city. Last year, the air quality index went up to 800, a level at which schools are closed and everyone is encouraged to stay at home.

Agricultural burns to fight

The plan for this year is ambitious but unfortunately, we can doubt its effectiveness. Notably because the pollution Delhi suffers from sources outside the city. Images from NASA have highlighted the catastrophic impact of burning crop residues in agricultural areas around the capital. Air pollution against which municipal measures are powerless. According to Delhi Prime Minister Arvind Kejriwal, " All the gains made so far will be useless ", if we do not attack this source.

The end of the month fears a peak of pollution

October is also a month of celebrations that amplifies the phenomenon: the Hindu festivals of Dussehra and especially Diwali at the end of the month explode air pollution because of firecrackers and fireworks. This tradition is so strongly rooted in the inhabitants that it is very difficult to regulate it. This year again, it is unlikely that Delhi residents will be able to breathe healthy air, even though pollution levels are expected to come down after the holidays. An American study revealed last year that they lost on average ten years of life expectancy because of the particles to which they are exposed.