Delhi air quality enters severe category on Diwali morning
The Air Quality Index reached 406 at the ITO station as smog reduced visibility across the national capital.
Air quality in Delhi deteriorated on Monday morning, with parts of the national capital entering the 'Severe' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported by ANI.
A thick layer of smog reduced visibility in several areas, including Inderlok, during the early hours. The CPCB monitoring station at ITO recorded an AQI of 406 at approximately 4:20 am, classifying it as 'Severe'.
Other areas recorded 'Very Poor' air quality, with Rajiv Chowk at 381 at 1:30 am and South Extension at 360 at 4:00 am. According to Scroll, 24 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400, with Jahangirpuri recording 450, RK Puram at 448, and Punjabi Bagh at 446.
In adjoining cities, Noida recorded an AQI of 319 and Gurugram recorded 322. Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in force across Delhi-NCR.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra alleged on X that a campaign was being orchestrated at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's residence to target Sanatan Dharma and the Diwali festival under the pretext of pollution. Mishra claimed that leaders and paid celebrities would be used to run a targeted narrative.