This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, New Delhi was shrouded in a thick, hazardous smog, with concentrations of pollutants reaching 810 micrograms per cubic meter.
The toxic air, caused by car fumes, industrial emissions, and smoke from stubble burning in neighboring states, made it difficult for residents to breathe, with many complaining of sore eyes and throats.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that pollution had reached unbearable levels, while federal Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar accused Kejriwal of politicizing the issue.
As a result of the severe air quality, schools in Delhi were closed until Tuesday, and construction was halted from Monday. An odd/even car license plate scheme was also implemented to reduce traffic.
According to a UN report, 14 of the world's 15 most polluted cities are in India, with one US study estimating that air pollution kills a million people prematurely every year.
Major carriers Air India and Vistara were forced to delay or divert flights due to poor visibility, while some cricket players and coaches were seen training in masks ahead of a Twenty20 international match.
