Shroud of smog envelops city amid dirty air

Delhi was blanketed by a thick, grey haze on Thursday morning as several city residents, particularly children and the elderly, struggled with issues such as a racking cough and burning in the eyes -annual complaints for the Capital in the winter season.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

In addition, a combination of low wind speeds, moisture in the air, and a toxic cocktail of pollutants from local sources and from neighbouring statesmeant the Capital's air quality index (AQI) reading was in the "very poor" zone at 377-25 points higher than the 352 recorded the previous day, and tethering close to "severe" levels.

By 10pm, AQI was at 383.

Forecasts showed that unfavourable meteorological conditions were likely to persist in the coming days, and the Capital's pollution levels were likely to remain extremely high till at least the weekend.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies an air quality index (AQI) reading between 0-50 as "good", between 51 and 100 as "satisfacAIR tory, between 101 BRE and 200 as "moderate", between 201 and 300 as "poor", between 301 and 400 as "very poor", and over 400 as "severe".