New Delhi, the capital of India, is facing a serious air quality crisis as a thick layer of toxic haze blankets the city, making it the world’s most polluted city according to a real-time list compiled by Swiss group IQAir.
The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi plummeted to the “hazardous” category on Friday, reaching 640 at some monitoring stations. An AQI of 0-50 is considered good while anything between 400-500 affects healthy people and is a danger to those with existing diseases.
Many of the city’s 20 million residents complained of irritation in the eyes and itchy throats as the air turned a dense grey. Some schools were ordered closed and online classes were offered for grades 6-12.