Delhi Haze Similar To 1952 London Smog? Data Says Some Parameters Close

Metro running amid heavy smog in Gurgaon on Sunday. (PTI Photo)

"Persisting high levels can lead to more premature deaths in Delhi also," Anumitra Roychowdhury of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told PTI.

In view of the intense air pollution, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced number of measures to check dipping air quality.

All constructions and demolitions have been banned for five days, water will be sprinkled on roads and strict action will be taken against the burning of trash, Mr Kejriwal said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The odd-even road rationing scheme may return, the chief minister said. All schools will remain closed for three days.

Air pollution is responsible for around 10,000 to 30,000 deaths in the national capital every year, the CSE had said in a report last year.

At 4 pm on Sunday, the 24-hour-average AQI of the city was at a staggering 497, three steps down the maximum of 500, which was the season's worst, even compared to post Diwali pollution levels.
 PM 10 is 100.

CSE, which said the prevailing spell of smog in Delhi is the worst in 17 years on, welcomed the emergency measures taken by the Delhi government.