Air quality sinks to ‘severe’ in haze-shrouded New Delhi

A thick gray haze blanketed India’s capital on Tuesday, with authorities attempting to reduce pollution by sprinkling water to settle dust and banning some construction.

air quality index exceeded 400, considered “severe” and about eight times recommended maximum, according to state-run Central Pollution Control Board.

Buildings and monuments in New Delhi were largely obscured by haze and residents complained of health effects.

“We can’t brea properly. My eyes are burning,” said Urmila Devi, who lives in Ghaziab, one of capital’s most polluted areas.

Favorable winds h briefly halved level of pollutants, but winds blowing from rthwest carried air-borne particles from burning crops in Punjab and Haryana states to New Delhi, leing again to high levels of pollution, according to government’s air quality monitoring system, SAFAR.

Air pollution in rrn India peaks in winter due to smoke from agricultural fires. Farmers say y are unfairly criticized and have choice but to burn stubble to prepare ir fields for next crop.

smoke from fields mixes with vehicle emissions and construction dust, making New Delhi world’s most-polluted capital.

Rising pollution levels have also irked foreign visitors, with some saying y plan to cut short ir trips because of health concerns.

“We are in capital of India. government should put more effort into tackling this problem,” said Rijil Odamvalappil of Abu Dhabi, who was visiting New Delhi with his wife.

Some residents say pollution is so b that it should be most important issue for government.

Pollution controls have been imposed, such as sprinkling water from high-rises and banning some construction to settle or avoid dust, but capital’s poor air quality has continued amid calls for government to do more to dress root causes.

Restrictions on private vehicles meant to reduce emissions were relaxed on Monday and Tuesday for 550th anniversary of birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikh religion.

Doctors in city of 20 million people say many of ir patients are complaining of ailments related to filthy air y brea.

New Delhi’s chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has me fervent appeals on Twitter and in newspaper vertisements for residents to help tackle pollution problem.

India’s top court last week asked city government, its neighboring states and federal government to work toger to improve air quality.

World Health Organization data released last year showed India h 10 of world’s 20 most polluted cities.