The air quality in India’s capital Delhi has reached dangerous levels – over 100 times higher than normal.For years Greater Delhi, with its 25 million people, has been regarded the world’s most polluted city.
The city’s government has taken measures to combat air pollution. Schools were closed, construction that was not essential was stopped, people were told to use public transportation to get to work or work from home.
Dangerously polluted air comes at the same time every year – when farmers burn fields in neighboring areas after harvesting crops. In addition , car fumes and burning waste in factories adds to air pollution. The low temperatures keep dust and particles near the surface.
Delhi inhabitants can be seen wearing masks and buying air purifiers. People suffer from coughing and runny noses. Hospitals are overcrowded with patients who have breathing problems.
Air pollution in Delhi
Image: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
