Year's worst air quality leaves Delhi gasping, schools closed today

Delhi's air quality was at the season's worst yesterday. A combined effect of smoke from stubble burning and moisture turned the city into a gas chamber leaving people gasping and prompting authorities to announce closure of primary schools among a series of sweeping measures.

As a thick blanket of haze hung low over the city, visibility levels plunged. Poor visibility hampered flight operations, leading to delays in schedule of over 300 flights while around 25 Delhi-bound trains were delayed.

The Indian Medical



Association said, the capital was witnessing a public health emergency. The Delhi government has also issued a health advisory for high risk people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from asthma and heart ailments.

The Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority,(EPCA) empowered to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan announced that all measures under the plan's severe category will be implemented across the region till further notice.