14 Images Of Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR Show How Difficult It Is To Breathe Here

Pollution in Delhi has gone up to alarming levels and a blanket of smog has enveloped the national capital. The air quality is turning worse as the AQI has touched 448 on a scale of 500, entering 'severe' category. Today, the AQI was even worse at 484. The government has ordered schools to remain closed until Sunday and have also issued an advisory to the parents to send their children to school wearing masks.

These pictures will leave you in shock and will make you question- if masks are enough to breathe?

1. The national capital woke up to find that their surrounding has been enveloped by thick fog that made breathing difficult. However, people continued with their daily routine and went out for a walk near the India Gate, even after a group of doctors from top hospitals in Delhi issued an advisory suggesting people, especially elders, to avoid morning walks.

AFP

2. Visitors walk through the courtyard of Jama Masjid amid heavy smog in the old quarters.

AFP

3. Doctors had said that the concentration of PM 2.5, tiny particles that can enter the lungs, and other toxic gases are highest at body-level in the morning and therefore it is not safe to go for a morning walk.

AFP

4. The EPCA has asked the Delhi-NCR governments to start preparing for measures like odd-even and a complete ban on construction activities if pollution aggravates.

AFP

5. People in Delhi/NCR immediately rushed to buy masks to protect themselves, even as doctors remained apprehensive about their efficacy.

AFP

6. The government has announced that all schools will remain closed till Sunday in view of the "unbearable" air pollution.

AFP

7. A number of schools have suspended outdoor activities in view of high pollution levels and many others have asked parents to ensure their children wear masks.

AFP

8. Parents demanded that the government should introduce long-term measures to prevent a similar situation in the future as "air-purifiers and masks are not enough".

PTI

9. The Indian Medical Association said the capital was witnessing a "public health emergency" and appealed to the government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.

AFP

10. Traffic Police personnel were also seen wearing masks in order to save themselves from the deadly pollution.

AFP

11. Authorities also announced a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares.

AFP

12. The EPCA has instructed Delhi and neighbouring states -- Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana -- to strengthen the public transport system by introducing more buses.

AFP

13. Indian security personnel stand guard at the Rajghat memorial amid heavy smog.

AFP

14. The measures to control pollution also include complete closure of brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers across the region till further notice.

AFP