Delhi becomes the most polluted city on Earth

New Delhi is the most polluted city on Earth right now, and parts of the city has pollution levels almost five times those considered "unhealthy" by the US environment protection agency AirNow, reported CNN.

The US Embassy in Delhi placed the capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 999 on Monday which is much higher than the "hazardous" level that is set at 500. To gain some perspective on this, Baoding, China's most polluted city was at 298 on Monday. The World Air Quality Index recorded the quality level at Chandrapur, in Maharashtra, to be 824, making it the second most polluted city following the capital.

Research released earlier this year found that air quality levels exceed World Health Organization's guidelines for 80% of those living in urban areas around the world. With increased awareness and warnings from the government, shops in one of Delhi's trendiest areas-Khan market that were selling specialised anti-pollution masks, saw a rise in business as people lined up to buy protection against the smog.

The government released an emergency ruling asking schools to be shut for three days and construction work to be halted for five days. Officials stated that the number of vehicles allowed on the street may be curbed if the situation does not abate.