DELHI POLLUTION LEVELS REACH RECORD HIGH

During the winter months, the people of Delhi are used to hazardous air. This is usually due to lower temperatures, smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions, and crop stubble burning.

But this year, the air pollution is reaching even more dangerous levels than ever before and experts are warning that it’s likely to get worse over the next few days.

The current pollution levels are at least 30 to 35 times more than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Air Quality Index (AQI) is a Swiss-based monitoring group that reports on pollution levels across the world.

The WHO guidelines say that air with AQI values in the 400 to 500 range denotes that pollution levels are severe in an area. Delhi, and its two satellite cities of Noida and Gurgaon, registered AQI levels touching the 500 mark.

Air pollution has a detrimental effect on the health of those breathing in the polluted air.

In response to this, the Delhi government has banned all activities that involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency services.

Image credit: NDTV