In early November, smog levels peaked in Delhi, India. The levels of particulate matter reached 999—the highest machines could read. Smoke and fumes from unregulated crop-burning across northern India, factories, cars, and even fire-crackers set off for the Diwali festival of lights had combined to form a choking cocktail. The Chief Minister likened the city to a gas chamber.

Despite stiff opposition from many quarters, the city readied itself for the Annual Half Marathon. The event registered a record turnout.

I arrived in Delhi a week later. Air quality levels remained between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ although the smog had reduced. The extended amounts of time I spent outside photographing led to some chest pains and also made me feel