Thick toxic haze envelopes Indian capital
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E-mail Xinhua, October 20, 2017
A thick toxic haze enveloped Indian capital city New Delhi and outskirts Friday morning as people ignored the Supreme Court's ban on sale of firecrackers in its jurisdiction to ensure cracker-free and pollution less festivities.
On Thursday evening, contrary to the proposed quiet evening, people in Delhi and national capital region set off firecrackers heavily to celebrate Diwali festival, pushing pollution and noise levels much above the alarming mark. The bursting of fireworks continued throughout night.
The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city Friday morning glowed red, indicating a "very poor" air quality.
Reports said volume of PM 2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, immediately rose after 7:00 p.m local time on Thursday.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) value on Thursday was 319, putting it in "very poor" category.
AQI level from 301-400 is very poor, and beyond is considered severe.
Authorities have cautioned people with heart or lung ailments, aged people and children to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Last week, the country's top court had banned the sale of firecrackers during this Diwali to see effects of its suspension in the light of the severe pollution and smog-like conditions.
Every year, bursting of firecrackers around Diwali festival leaves air in and around Delhi thick, and pushes air quality to a dangerous "severe" level of rating.
The deadly smog chocks air, causing breathlessness and lung difficulties, besides badly affecting the visibility.
Delhi is considered to be the most polluted city in the world. Last year, the city's high court described the capital as "gas chamber."
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