India's capital has been choking under a thick layer of smog this month, the worst the air quality has been all year in a city that's among the most polluted in the world. While some people work indoors and get a measure of relief from the pollution during the day, others in the city of more than 17 million aren't so fortunate.
The Associated Press spoke to people from across New Delhi who work long hours on the streets about their experiences. At its worst this month, the smog spiked to 75 times the level recommended safe by the World Health Organization. Rain has helped improve the air over the past week, although it remains 20 times higher than the safe level.
AJAY KUMAR, fruit vendor
Kumar, 46, has sold apples and other fruit from a cart near New Delhi's bustling central train station for 30 years, supporting his wife and four children. He said on days this month when the pollution has been bad he's covered his face and worn goggles. And the smog made him ill.
"I had a fever and a cough. My eyes hurt, my throat hurt and it was difficult to walk," he said. "But I still had to muster the courage to work for my children, to feed them. Work has to be done. Work is important."
He said he doesn't think authorities are doing enough.
"A lot of people are fed up with the pollution," he said. "The government is doing things, but people don't know who is doing what. We don't know anything."
SARWAN SINGH, auto-rickshaw driver
Singh has been ferrying passengers in his three-wheeled motorized rickshaw for 20 years, working 10- to 12-hour days. He said he thinks pollution is a problem for New Delhi but not for him personally because of his health regimen.
"I exercise every day for one hour," he said. "That's why I'm strong."
Singh said he goes for walks in the park, does yoga, drinks a lot of water and avoids oily foods. Still, he said, when the pollution gets bad, he encourages the rest of his family to stay indoors with the windows shut.
"My family is good because all the time they are at home and they don't come outside," he said.
RATAN, clothing vendor
Ratan, who uses only one name, has for more than 25 years sold traditional Indian clothes at a sidewalk stall that's popular with tourists. She said the pollution has affected her business, with sales down by about 50 percent this month.
"It's difficult for us," she said. "There used to be lots of tourists but now there are fewer. We want foreigners, they're good for our business."
She said she's noticed a lot fewer elderly people on the street this month.
"If there is no pollution, then my business is good," she said. "But you can see that there is no sun and no shade, and that's a problem."
She said by the time she gets home each evening, her eyes and throat burn and she feels a little ill.
"I don't pay it much attention, as I have to take care of business," she said.
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