Delhi Air Quality Plummets to Severe Category as Smog Engulfs City

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated, reaching 'Severe' levels with an AQI of 406 at ITO. A thick blanket of smog covers the city while GRAP Stage III restrictions are enforced, amid political debates regarding the pollution situation.

Delhi Air Quality Plummets to Severe Levels

Air quality across the national capital continued to deteriorate, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the 'Severe' category in parts of Delhi in the early hours on Monday, according to data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A thick layer of smog engulfed several parts of the city, significantly impairing visibility during the early morning hours, including around the Inderlok area.

According to the CPCB, the air quality station at ITO recorded an alarming AQI of 406 at around 4:20 am, categorising it as 'Severe'. Meanwhile, several other key areas in the capital continued to reel under the 'Very Poor' air quality bracket. Rajiv Chowk clocked an AQI of 381 at 1:30 am, while the area surrounding South Extension registered an AQI of 360 at 4:00 am.

Political Allegations Amidst Pollution Crisis

Meanwhile, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that a campaign was being orchestrated at Kejriwal's residence to target the Hindu festival of Diwali and Sanatan Dharma under the pretext of pollution. In a post on X, Mishra claimed that leaders and paid celebrities would be rolled out to run a targeted narrative.

Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force across Delhi-NCR. (ANI)

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