Delhi's Toxic Winter Air: The Real Reason Pollution Traps & What's Next.

• Winter's temperature inversion and low mixing height trap pollution, turning the atmosphere into a 'small box'.
• Delhi becomes a hub for accumulated pollution from the entire North India due to slow winter winds.
• Stubble burning contributes significantly (avg. 22%), but Delhi's own year-round sources like vehicles, dust, and factories are primary.
• Unlike Mumbai's cleansing sea breeze, landlocked Delhi traps pollution, preventing natural dispersal.
• Government's GRAP offers temporary relief; permanent solutions like dust control, vehicle management, and efficient public transport are vital.

Why It Matters: Delhi's severe winter pollution demands year-round, systemic solutions beyond emergency responses.