NEW DELHI: Haziness blanketed Delhi yet again with the air quality index showing dangerous numbers. The foggy air and the obscurity were such ruthless that even the World Cup cricket match scheduled at Delhi is now on the brink of getting abandoned. Delhi now ranks the worst place in the world in terms of air quality. Even in peak afternoon hours, the streets would go plain white by the floating fog. Strict restrictions were announced as the situation continued to be critical for the fourth day.

All diesel trucks except those carrying essential goods were banned. There is a Complete ban on construction activities too. The government is also pondering over the need to bring back the touted odd-even policy for vehicles.

Meanwhile, primary schools are closed till November 10th, and talks are ongoing about conducting the classes online for students in higher secondary sections. Fifty per cent of government employees will revisit the old practice of working from home. These are the restrictions that are imposed if the pollution intensity of the fourth level, the Severe Plus category, lasts for more than 48 hours.

The Sri Lanka-Bangladesh cricket match is scheduled for Monday at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Discussions are still ongoing about conducting the match and a decision is awaited. The training session on Saturday was abandoned due to poor air visibility. Air pollution also affected the business sector. The Chamber of Trade and Industry demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi call an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. A meeting of the states of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh was also demanded.

Pakistan's Lahore ranks second and Kolkata third among the world's worst cities in terms of air quality. The air quality index (Air Quality Index) in Delhi reached a dangerous 859 this week. According to reports, AQI 400-500 is harmful to health. Above 501 is considered extremely dangerous. The dust concentration in Delhi is 96.2 times the World Health Organisation's recommended value.

Even if the air pollution is reduced, the toxic particles inside can cause asthma, lung, heart, liver and kidney diseases. Coughing, shortness of breath, and itchy eyes have increased. There is also a proposal to make the mask mandatory.

Causes of pollution

1. Toxic fumes in industries

2. Smoke from diesel vehicles

3. Stubble burning from neighbouring states

4. Construction activities

Five pollution hotspots: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Shadipur, Delhi Cantonment, Bawana, Aya Nagar