From bad to worse: Vehicles travelling on an expressway as the sky is enveloped with thick smog in New Delhi. — Reuters
Authorities in India’s capital shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season.
Residents of New Delhi woke up to thick, toxic smog enveloping the city of some 33 million as the air quality became increasingly hazardous.
It rose further into the severe category, according to Safar, the country’s main environmental agency, which measures tiny particulate matter in the air that can enter deep into the lungs.
The deadly haze covered monuments and high-rise buildings in the capital, with visibility so low that airlines warned of delays.
In several areas of the city, pollution levels were more than 50 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended safe limit.
Air pollution in northern India rises every year, particularly in winter, as farmers burn crop residue in agricultural areas.
The burning coincides with colder temperatures, which trap the smoke in the air. The smoke is then blown into cities, where auto emissions add to the pollution.
Emissions from industries and the burning of coal to produce electricity are also linked to the pollution, which has been steadily ticking up in recent weeks.
Starting yesterday, classes for all grades except 10 and 12 will be held online, while no trucks will be allowed to enter the city except for those carrying essential items.
Some older, diesel guzzling vehicles have been banned inside the city, and all construction activities have been halted.
Authorities also urged children, the elderly and others with chronic diseases to avoid going outside as much as possible. — AP
