New Delhi, November 09, 2023 - A thick blanket of hazardous smog has descended upon New Delhi, forcing schools to shut and causing disruptions in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. The city's air quality, marked by a PM 2.5 concentration nearly 80 times the WHO's recommended limit, has prompted emergency measures from authorities.
 
Residents express an annual sense of dread as the toxic haze, a result of crop burning and colder temperatures, grips the Indian capital. Health concerns rise as PM 2.5 particles, including sulfate and nitrates, pose risks to cognitive and immune functions, linking to respiratory and heart disorders.
 
The pollution crisis has not spared the Cricket World Cup, with Sri Lanka canceling training sessions, and the Indian cricket board banning firework displays to alleviate conditions. Authorities are implementing measures like halting non-essential truck movement and construction work, while residents rush to buy air purifiers for protection.
 
India's struggle with smog is longstanding, affecting both urban and agricultural areas. Despite government initiatives, including a national clean air campaign, the severity of the crisis persists, impacting the health of over 20 million residents. A 2021 study suggests that bad air could reduce Delhi residents' life expectancy by up to nine years.
 
As the smog crisis deepens, concerns grow for the vulnerable population, particularly those with respiratory conditions. Doctors report an increase in pollution-related illnesses, ranging from cough and throat irritation to more severe respiratory problems.
 
The ongoing disruption of the Cricket World Cup adds urgency to the situation, highlighting the broader implications of India's persistent smog problem. With Diwali approaching, residents fear a worsening of the smog, exacerbating health risks, especially for those with allergies.
 
In response to the crisis, authorities deploy anti-smog measures, including water sprinklers and fines for polluting vehicles. However, the battle against the annual smog crisis in New Delhi continues, impacting the lives and health of its residents.
 
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