The air in the national capital, Delhi, continues to grow increasingly toxic. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared past 400 in several parts of the city, pushing the capital into the 'severe' category.
This hazardous smog has thrust Delhi into the 'red zone,' making it one of the most polluted cities in the country. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI exceeded 400 in many areas on Saturday, signifying an entry into the toxic category.
CPCB data indicates that on Saturday, the 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 PM was 361, positioning Delhi as the country's second most polluted city, following an AQI level of 322 the previous Friday.
By 5 PM on Saturday, AQIs in several Delhi localities surpassed 400. Out of the capital's 38 monitoring stations, pollutant levels were alarmingly high in many regions. AQI read 420 in Wazirpur, 418 in Burari, 411 in Vivek Vihar, 406 in Nehru Nagar, 400 at Alipur, and 402 at ITO.
The Decision Support System, which forecasts air quality, attributes a 30% rise in Delhi's pollution to stubble burning. Satellite images revealed stubble burning incidents at 100 locations in Punjab, 18 in Haryana, and 164 in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
