From November 8, 2017 thick smog has covered the greatness of Northern India. The worst affected was city of Delhi. Thick toxic smog enveloped New Delhi for a second straight day Wednesday, forcing schools to shut down, halting traffic on highways and sending residents scurrying to buy air purifiers and filtration masks.Thick toxic smog enveloped New Delhi for a second straight day Wednesday, forcing schools to shut down, halting traffic on highways and sending residents scurrying to buy air purifiers and filtration masks. Air pollution levels in the national capital continued to be ‘severe’ as dense smog engulfed the city, leading to delays in flight and train services. Various steps were taken to reduce the pollution! NGT has banned construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14 The NGT has also directed directs civic bodies to constitute teams to ensure there is no burning of waste in Delhi-NCR. The green panel has also asked authorities to implement EPCA's directions to improve ambient air quality. It has also directed sprinkling of water where PM 10 is found to be in excess of 600 micrograms per cubic metre. Delhi and Punjab governments announced complete closure of schools till Sunday following weather forecasts that situation is unlikely to improve soon with very dense fog expected to cover many places in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and north Rajasthan in the morning hours till November 10. People rushed to buy masks to save themselves from the toxic smog as level of particulate matter 2.5 over Delhi touched 517 microgram per cubic metre, which is more than ten times the safe level. It is strictly advised to remain at home. Don't go outside until it's safe to move outside!
The AQI rose from 478 the previous day to 486 on Thursday -the highest this winter -as the capital continued to `choke'.