New Delhi residents cope with persistent smog

NEW DELHI: A thick blanket of smog reduced visibility on Saturday (December 2) morning as New Delhi residents struggled to continue weekend activities amid the heavy pollution.

Roads and buildings were shrouded in smog as the U.S. Embassy’s air quality index (AQI) hovered around 259, putting it in the ‘very unhealthy’ category..

No smog restrictions over the weekend in Lahore

An AQI level of 400-500 impacts healthy people and is dangerous to those with existing diseases, while a level of 150-200 brings discomfort to people with asthma, lung and heart problems. Levels of 0-50 are considered good.

The Indian capital’s air pollution gets worse in winter when wind speeds drop and cooling air traps pollutants spewed by vehicles, industry and farmers burning agricultural waste in surrounding states to prepare for new planting. This gives birth to consistent smog in Delhi.