New Delhi Schools Transition to Online Classes Amid Toxic Smog

New Delhi has transitioned to online classes for all schools due to a severe smog crisis, with air pollution levels exceeding 60 times the WHO's recommended daily maximum. PM2.5 pollutants, which are harmful cancer-causing microparticles, peaked at 921 micrograms per cubic meter, with some monitoring stations recording even higher levels, reaching 1117 micrograms. The city's toxic smog is attributed to a combination of stubble burning by farmers, industrial emissions, and traffic fumes, causing thousands of premature deaths annually, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Additionally, the hazardous air quality has led to construction halts and warnings of flight delays due to drastically reduced visibility. Local residents have reported severe health issues, such as burning eyes and respiratory problems, as the pollution blankets northern India, impacting areas as far as Lahore, Pakistan. The situation underscores the failure of government initiatives to adequately address this recurring environmental crisis.