Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

Delhi sees a major spike in air pollution every winter due to several factors, including the burning of farm waste in the adjoining states of Haryana and Punjab.

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.

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.

On Wednesday, the national capital's air quality took a serious turn for the worse, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketing to a staggering 418. This alarming number puts the capital squarely in the 'severe' category,

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Delhi surpassed Lahore as the world's most polluted city, with its air quality index reaching a 'severe' 418. The smog, a mix of fog and smoke, reduced visibility, causing flight diversions. Low wind speed,