Wed Dec 17 15:31:39 UTC 2025: ## Summary:
Delhi’s severe winter smog is causing significant disruption, including school closures and restricted outdoor activity. As a result, many residents are leaving the city to seek cleaner air in mountainous regions.
News Article:
Delhi Residents Flee Toxic Smog for Mountain Air
DELHI, INDIA – Delhi is once again choking under a thick blanket of winter smog, forcing schools to intermittently close and confining many residents indoors. The persistent and hazardous air quality has driven thousands to seek refuge in the cooler, cleaner air of nearby mountainous regions.
“The situation in Delhi has become unbearable,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, as she packed her car. “We can’t live like this. Our children are constantly coughing, and we’re worried about long-term health effects.”
The exodus comes as the city grapples with familiar challenges, including vehicle emissions, construction dust, and crop burning in neighboring states, all contributing to the dangerous air pollution.
While local authorities have implemented measures like odd-even traffic schemes and restrictions on construction, the efforts appear insufficient to combat the pervasive smog. As a result, a growing number of Delhi residents are opting to temporarily relocate to escape the toxic air and breathe easier in the hills. The long-term impact on the city’s economy and infrastructure remains to be seen as the annual winter pollution crisis continues.