'Brings back memories of Los Angeles': US envoy Eric Garcetti on Delhi pollution 

Delhi, for the sixth consecutive day, woke up to smog as air quality levels remained in the 'very poor' category on Thursday. Amid this, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti compared the national capital's air pollution with America's Los Angeles."On a day like this in Delhi, it brings back memories of growing up in Los Angeles where the air was the most polluted air anywhere in America," Garcetti said.He added, "Where like today, we were given warnings by our teachers that you cannot go outside to play, just as my daughter was given by her teacher today as I dropped her off to school."Delhi pollutionAmid a surge in farm fires and unfavourable weather conditions, scientists have warned of a spike in the pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region in the next two weeks. This is concerning, as the air quality index in many areas has already exceeded 400.Several areas within the city such as Punjabi Bagh (416), Bawana (401), Mundka (420) and Anand Vihar (413) recorded air quality in the severe category.The concentration of PM2.5 -- fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system when inhaled and trigger respiratory problems -- at these places was six to seven times the safe limit of 60 microgrammes per cubic metre.Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said the city government will ban construction work in areas recording an air quality index (AQI) above the 400-mark for five consecutive days.With inputs from PTI