Delhi shuts schools, bans construction as pollution levels hit new high

Authorities in India’s capital have shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season.

A thick blanket of toxic smog engulfed most parts of northern India on Monday after dense fog overnight, with the “hazardous” air quality in some areas of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi hitting a new high of 1,081, according to Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings.

India’s pollution control authority said the national capital territory’s 24-hour air quality index (AQI) reading was 484, classified as “severe plus”, the highest this year.

Experts say the scores vary because of a difference in the scale countries adopt to convert pollutant concentrations into AQI, and so the same quantity of a specific pollutant may be translated as different AQI scores in different countries.

Meanwhile, the concentration of PM2.5 – particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter that can be carried into the lungs, causing deadly diseases and cardiac issues – was 39 times the World Health Organization’s recommended levels.

The smog, a toxic blend of smoke and fog, happens each year in winter as cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal farm fires in some surrounding states.Authorities directed all schools in Delhi to move classes online and tightened restrictions on construction activities and vehicle movements, citing efforts to “prevent further deterioration” of the air quality. Authorities hope, by keeping children at home, traffic will be significantly reduced.