Pollution Panic In Dehli

Panic has gripped the Indian capital, Delhi, as residents woke up to a blanket of thick grey smog.  Visibility is poor as pollution levels reached 30 times the World Health Organization's recommended limit in some areas.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared "a state of medical emergency" and urged the government to "make every possible effort to curb this menace".

People have been posting dramatic pictures on social media showing the extent of the problem, with most of them complaining of breathing difficulties.

The chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has asked his education minister to consider shutting down schools for a few days.  The IMA also recommended that the city's half marathon, due to be held on 19 November, should be cancelled.

Delhi sees pollution levels soar in winter due to farmers in neighboring Punjab and Haryana states burning stubble to clear their fields.  Activists say very little has been done to stop the practice despite Delhi facing severe pollution for a number of years.  Low wind speeds, dust from construction sites, rubbish burning in the capital and firecrackers used in festivals also contribute to increasing pollution levels.

The government has made several attempts to deal with the chronic pollution--  various traffic restrictions and the shutdown of a major power plant.  But none of the measures seem to have had much impact.