NEW DELHI, Nov 2 (Reuters) - New Delhi, the capital city of India, is currently shrouded in a toxic haze, raising concerns of another public health crisis. Government agencies have issued warnings that pollution levels may worsen in the coming days, despite efforts to curb them.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the pollution level stood at a severe 415 on Thursday in the Anand Vihar area of the city, on a scale of 500. This indicates a hazardous level of pollution that can significantly impact the health of both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. An AQI rating between 0 and 50 is considered healthy.

In response to the alarming pollution levels, the New Delhi government has implemented a ban on diesel buses and has also announced that construction activities will be halted if the situation persists. These measures have been put in place in an attempt to address the pressing issue and protect public health.

The severity of the pollution in New Delhi and Lahore, Pakistan has earned them the top spots on a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities compiled by Swiss group IQAir. India's financial capital, Mumbai, also features among the world's 15 most polluted cities.

The deteriorating air quality has cast a shadow over the ongoing cricket World Cup, as fans flock to stadiums across Indian cities. The AQI in Mumbai, where a match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place, hovered around the 200 mark. The city is preparing to welcome large crowds for the semifinal of the tournament on November 15.

In response to concerns about the toxic air, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a ban on firework displays during the remaining matches of the tournament. This precautionary measure has been introduced to combat pollution and prioritize the well-being of players and spectators.

Several players have also expressed their worries about the hazardous air quality. England's Joe Root recently complained of breathing difficulties during a game, while India's Rohit Sharma emphasized the need for change to protect "future generations" from the harmful effects of pollution.

The residents of New Delhi and the authorities are now closely monitoring the situation and hoping for significant improvements in the coming days to address the ongoing public health emergency.