In some parts of Delhi, pollution levels hit 654 on Monday, among the worst recorded this year, and visibility in some parts of the city was just 200 metres, the weather department said. Environmentalists said that inaction by the authorities was inexcusable and a concerted effort was needed to reduce pollution from vehicles and industry. The PM 2.5 level may average above 400 and hit a high of 534 in some places, CPCB data showed. India's toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017, or 12.5% of total deaths, according to a study published in Lancet Planetary Health this month. A damning report by the World Health Organization this year said India was home to the world's 14 most polluted cities, with Delhi the sixth worst.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 25, 2018 13:18 UTC