Delhi air quality hits severe levels on Monday after Diwali
Thick smog reduced visibility across the capital as several monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 400.
Air quality in Delhi deteriorated sharply on Monday morning, the day after Diwali, with several areas recording Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the 'severe' category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported by The Economic Times, Burari Crossing saw the highest pollution at 441.
Multiple neighbourhoods also fell into the 'severe' bracket. Vivek Vihar reached 437, Delhi Technological University recorded 434, and both Jahangirpuri and the North Campus of Delhi University registered 433. Rohini reported an AQI of 430, while Ghazipur, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, NIH Narela, and ITO all recorded levels above 400.
The citywide average was reported at 366 by Firstpost, placing the capital in the 'very poor' category. Thick haze was particularly visible in the Inderlok area during the early morning hours.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had previously invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday. These measures, which apply across Delhi-NCR and adjoining districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, include restrictions on construction and demolition activities.
In other parts of the country, Mumbai experienced hazy conditions with Kherwadi-Bandra East recording an AQI of 264. Lucknow also reported a thick layer of smog covering several parts of the city.