New Delhi (CNN)As protesters rally against air pollution at the India Gate monument in the heart of the Indian capital New Delhi, a woman holds a sign that reads: “No petty politics.”
Skies over this city of more than 18 million have been blanketed in a dark yellow haze for several days, as air pollution hits record high levels that has forced schools to close and flights to be diverted. Residents complain of burning eyes, persistent headaches and coughing.
Delhi may be India’s worst affected city, but it is not alone. All of northern India is breathing toxic air, just as it does every winter when pollutants get trapped in the atmosphere as the windy monsoon season ends.
