Delhi and its surrounding areas woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Wednesday, significantly reducing visibility. The air quality plummeted to 'very poor' levels, with the worst affected areas reaching 'severe' levels.

Every year, Delhi and northern states battle hazardous air during the winter months of October to January due to plummeting temperatures, smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions and crop stubble burning. This time, experts say that the condition is likely to get worse in the coming days.

Delhi residents are demanding action from authorities as the city's air quality remains in the 'very poor' range, two weeks after Diwali. Citizens rep

A study published in June found that air pollution killed 135 million people over the last four decades around the world, with India and China accounting for the bulk of the fatalities. In 2023, Delhi’s AQI was recorded between 445 and 520 just a day after Diwali, placing it firmly in the “severe” category.

Air pollution in India's national capital increased to 'severe' on an official index on Wednesday for the first time this season as temperatures and wind speeds dropped, reducing visibility and affecting some flights.