Data from India’s pollution monitoring agency showed pollutants in the air were as high as 42 times the safe limit. Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) density was above 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of just 100 in one New Delhi neighborhood. The finer, even more harmful PM2.5 particles were measured at 16 times the safe limit.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) near the U.S. Embassy in Chanakyapuri -- one of the greenest patches in New Delhi -- was at 999, way above the safe limit of 60.
Delhi has topped Beijing on the international list of the most populated cities. Pollution in the Chinese capital prompted authorities to issue a rare “Red Alert” last year.
The pollution level is classified as “severe” if the AQI is between 401 and 500. China declares a “Red Alert” at this level, shuts schools and cancels outdoor activities. Last year, parents complained in Beijing, and asked why the measures hadn’t been taken sooner.
In India, however, in spite of the warnings ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government failed even to make good on plans to set up air purifiers at several of the city’s most polluted spots ahead of the firework bonanza.
In India, however, in spite of the warnings ahead of Diwali, the Delhi government failed even to make good on plans to set up air purifiers at several of the city’s most polluted spots ahead of the firework bonanza.
But as the pollution spiked -- with isolated AQI readings near the 1,000 mark -- the city-state’s Deputy Chief Minister called a meeting on air pollution and declared his administration on a “war-footing” to address the problem.
By CBS NEWS
