Air quality in holy city of Varanasi 'most toxic in India'

Levels of airborne pollution across north Indian plains routinely higher than in the capital, Delhi, researchers warn

Air quality in the Indian holy city of Varanasi is "the most toxic in the country" according to research that reveals the extent of the pollution crisis across northern India.

There has been a growing awareness of the dangers of the smog that envelopes Delhi in the winter months, but a report released on Monday by three environmental groups highlights the extent of the problem across the north Indian plains, where levels of harmful airborne particles are routinely higher than in the capital.