New Delhi air pollution rises to critical levels again.

Thick, toxic air reducing visibility and taking a huge toll on human health has blanketed New Delhi again, with real-time air quality data from India?s Central Pollution Control Board showing that PM2.5 particulate pollution crossed the 500 mark on December 7. That?s nearly 20 times safe limits set by the World Health Organisation.

In response, Indian and UK scientists have teamed up to help young researchers better understand the causes, sources, effects of pollution in both countries, and work together to develop mitigation strategies to tackle it. Coal fired electricity is a major driver, but in places such as Paris solutions have also included making public transport free and getting diesel cars off the road.

The city?s pollution is caused by emissions from cars and coal-based power plants, the burning of crop stubble and trash and swirling dust from construction sites and roads.

Reference: http://on.wsj.com/2gv1kfr