Smog record, Delhi introduces emergency measures

The authorities in New Delhi have been forced to take urgent measures after the monitoring stations have recorded a great and allarming level of pollution. Data found on Sunday show a "serious" level of particulate matter in the air that varies between 445 and 450. Any level above 400 is considered risky to health.

Environmental Pollution Control Authority, the institution established by the Supreme Court that has the task to control pollution, has imposed a stop to all industrial and building activities within the peripheral circle of the Indian capital. Furthermore, heavy vehicles were not allowed to transit through the city. The authorities have also advised citizens, especially the elderly and children, to stay at home and minimize external activities. With its 25 million inhabitants, for years Delhi has been on top of the classifications of the cities more polluted to the world.

According to the CPCB data, 27 areas in the national capital recorded 'severe' pollution, while seven witnessed 'very poor' air quality. In the NCR, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, while Faridabad recorded 'very poor' quality air. The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer) was recorded at 328 and the PM10 level at 488 in Delhi, the CPCB said.