Air pollution in India has reached a critical level (7 photos)

The country's capital has set the world's worst air pollution record.





New Delhi is home to about 33 million people, all of whom are now under strict government restrictions as they try to stabilise a situation that spiralled out of control last Wednesday. Air pollution has reached its highest level on the WHO scale.



In neighboring cities, the level of air pollution is at least 30-35 times higher than the safe limit. And the situation in Delhi itself is quite sad.





Due to thick smog at Indira Gandhi Airport, some flights were rerouted to other airports. The authorities have introduced a number of bans, including on any construction work, and have restricted the entry of trucks and buses into the city.



The use of coal and firewood has been banned, as well as the use of diesel generators for non-emergency needs. Schoolchildren have been transferred to distance learning, and adults are strongly advised not to go outside unnecessarily.



And all because breathing "fresh" air on the streets has become too dangerous. Local hospitals are reporting alarming statistics about the rise in the number of people calling in with complaints of difficulty breathing.



The smog is so thick that it can be seen from space. A few days ago, NASA shared satellite images of the smog covering parts of northern India and neighboring Pakistan.



In 2023, Delhi became the most polluted capital in the world.