Delhi air turns toxic after Diwali fireworks

India's national capital, Delhi, woke up to grey skies as air quality dipped to hazardous levels following the festival of Diwali.

 

Despite a ban, people across the city burst firecrackers late into Thursday night, worsening pollution levels.

 

Vehicular and industrial emissions, dust and weather patterns make Delhi the world's most polluted capital.

 

The air turns especially toxic in winter when farmers in neighbouring states burn crop stubble.

 

And fireworks during Diwali, which happens at the same time, only worsen the air quality as low wind speeds trap the pollutants in the lower atmosphere.(BBC News)