Smog alert

The pollution level on the opening day of the Delhi Test, October 29, the day after Diwali is celebrated in north India, is expected to be the heaviest in the country's capital.

Traditionally, the early half of the day after Diwali is generally as bad as the festival night itself in terms of pollution and visibility. This year, after a night of grand fireworks, visibility is supposed to be at a new low.

"We are not expecting any major trouble if the weather remains warm and sunny. But if the temperature drops and there's stillness around (little or no breeze), there could be some problems as far as visibility is concerned," JM Mauskar, chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board, told the Hindustan Times.

It is also believed that exposure to increased pollution levels could cause respiratory trouble and irritation to the eyes.

The dust may not settle on this one so easily.