Nearly half the families in and around Delhi have sought medical help for respiratory ailments connected to severe pollution engulfing the capital, according to a new survey.

Delhi typically sees a spike in air pollution during the festive season starting in October. After Dussehra celebrations in the second week of October, Delhi’s Air Quality Index

The Central Pollution Control Board data showed two stations in the national Capital—Jahangirpuri (411) and Bawana (401)—recorded air quality in the severe category