A dense layer of smog shrouded Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday morning, sharply reducing visibility as the air quality plunged to "very poor" levels.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 349 as of 6 a.m. NCR cities also witnessed poor air quality, with AQI readings of 196 in Faridabad, 266 in Gurugram, 276 in Ghaziabad, 289 in Greater Noida, and 269 in Noida.
The highest AQI reading within Delhi was at Aya Nagar, where levels reached a "severe" 406, with many other parts of the capital recording AQI levels between 300 and 400.
According to IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring organisation, Delhi's AQI had even reached 1,133 in certain areas earlier, categorising the pollution as "hazardous," with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant.
The thick smog, accompanied by moderate fog and mist, caused poor visibility in the early hours. Experts anticipate the hazy conditions will persist into the evening, posing heightened health risks for residents, particularly those with respiratory concerns.
Delhi's AQI has remained "very poor" since October 30, with levels initially recorded at 307. The seasonal spike in pollution levels is largely attributed to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, as farmers clear fields post-harvest in October and November.
Air quality levels in parts of Punjab and Haryana were also concerning, with many areas recorded in the "poor" range and Chandigarh, the shared capital, in the "very poor" category with an AQI of 349 as of Tuesday night. Punjab saw 83 new instances of farm fires, bringing the season's tally to 7,112.
The CPCB classifies AQI as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," 401-450 "severe," and above 450 as "severe plus."
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.