Environmental scientists point out that uncontrolled burning of waste, construction dust, use of wood for cooking, vehicular exhaust fumes and meteorological conditions are among the major factors behind the surge.
As the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops, there has been a spike in number of children complaining of respiratory issues. Here are some precautions parents can take for their children
While Delhi topped the list, with an AQI of 483 at 7.30 am today, Kolkata and Mumbai were among the top five worst-hit cities by air pollution with an AQI of 206 and 162 respectively