New Delhi choking on smog, no end in sight (ASL – 11.4.19)

Transcript

A thick blanket of toxic smog is forcing government officials to declare a public health emergency in the Indian capital of New Delhi.

The smog is a result of farmers lighting fires to get rid of leftover crops.

New Delhi’s chief minister says conditions are unbearable as the air quality index (AQI) remains above 800, more than three times hazardous levels.

Flights were delayed and diverted because pilots could not see through the thick smog.

Authorities have halted work at construction sites, schools have been closed and residents who can afford to are being asked to stay home.

The government has put emergency measures in place to try and tackle the seasonal problem but those efforts have been unsuccessful.

In the past, New Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world, a label that has frustrated local officials.

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