Delhi Smog

New Delhi put under lockdown as air quality deteriorates to alarming levels

Pollution in the Indian capital has reached 'severe' levels, with air quality index crossing 600

Authorities have shut down all schools and ordered people to stay indoors as the thick smog chokes the city

A toxic haze has blanketed the streets of Delhi since the festival of Diwali, prompting authorities in the Indian capital to shut down all schools and order people to stay indoors.

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has reached 'severe' levels, with the concentration of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 reaching 600 and 900 respectively. These levels are several times higher than the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of crop stubble by farmers in neighboring states. The situation is exacerbated during the winter months, when the cold air traps pollutants near the ground.

The Delhi government has declared a public health emergency and has taken several measures to combat the pollution, including banning construction activities, restricting the use of private vehicles, and increasing the frequency of public transportation.

However, experts say that these measures are not enough to address the root causes of the pollution problem. They call for long-term solutions, such as promoting the use of cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation, and reducing the number of vehicles on the road.