After Diwali, Delhi wakes up to smoggy morning

Delhi residents woke up to a smoggy morning, after a night of Diwali celebrations. The shallow fog mixed with firecracker emissions have become smog, affecting visibility.

Delhi residents woke up to a smoggy Monday morning after a night of Diwali celebrations. The shallow fog mixed with firecracker emissions affected visibility.

Commuters make their way amid heavy smog in New Delhi. (REUTERS)

According to the Indian meteorological department, visibility was poor this morning at 8:30 am. At Safdarjung visibility was recorded at 200m and at Palam it was 400 m. The smog is clearing up a little as the day moves along.

Environment experts said that the smog was because of the pollutant particles which clogged in the air.

This phenomenon is particularly dangerous for people with respiratory problems as the particles gets trapped in the lungs and creates problem in breathing. It also causes mild allergies in people with low immunity.

“In most areas in Delhi the pollution levels were in the ‘severe’ category. These particles don’t disappear overnight. It settles in the air and causes problems,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment.

The Met department has predicted a clear sky and mist with shallow fog.