NASA Satellite Images Capture Thick Post-Diwali Smog Blanketing North India, Extending Into Pakistan

New Delhi, November 11: Thick post-Diwali smog has engulfed large parts of northern India, with NASA satellite images capturing an extensive blanket of grey haze stretching across the country and into neighbouring Pakistan.

The satellite imagery, available on NASA’s Worldview platform, shows dense haze over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir on November 10. Parts of central and southern India also appear affected, while Rajasthan, Gujarat and several northeastern states show comparatively thinner haze.

The images reveal fluctuations in pollution levels over the past few days. While dense haze was visible over Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh on November 8, it appeared thinner on November 9 before spreading across wider areas again on November 10.

The deteriorating air quality has reduced visibility and triggered complaints of eye and throat irritation, raising concerns over the health impact of post-Diwali pollution.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has blamed pollution drifting from India for worsening air quality in its northern regions, Reuters reported.

Lahore topped Swiss air quality monitoring organisation IQAir’s list of the world’s most polluted major cities for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, recording an AQI of 263, categorised as ‘very unhealthy’.

The satellite images highlight the regional spread of air pollution and the growing challenge of tackling deteriorating air quality after Diwali celebrations.