Smog returns to Indian capital as agriculture fires start Indian capital’s air quality levels have plunged to “very poor," days after the government initiated stricter measures to fight chronic air pollutionNEW DELHI -- The Indian capital’s air quality levels plunged to “very poor” on Friday and a smoggy haze settled over the city, days after the state government initiated stricter measures to fight chronic air pollution. The Air Quality Index in New Delhi rose past 270, according to SAFAR, India’s main environment monitoring agency, after agricultural fires in neighboring states sent smoke billowing across the city. The national capital, one of the world’s most polluted cities, enjoyed a respite from air pollution up until September in part thanks to a virus lockdown. Health experts say high air pollution levels over a prolonged period have compromised the disease resistance of people living in New Delhi, making them more susceptible to the coronavirus. During peak pollution periods last year, air pollution levels in New Delhi sometimes soared even off the measurable scale.

Source: ABC News October 16, 2020 07:03 UTC