Delhi Air Quality Improves Slightly to "Very Poor" After Eight Days of Severe Pollution

New Delhi : After enduring eight days of severe air pollution, Delhi residents saw a slight improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 379, placing it in the "very poor" category. However, several areas, including Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, and Bawana, still reported AQI levels above 400, categorized as "severe," according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A thick layer of smog continued to blanket the capital, reducing visibility and affecting flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with 97 flights delayed and three cancelled. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a temperature range of 11°C to 26°C for the day.

In response to the ongoing pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management issued revised guidelines under the Graded Response Action Plan, mandating school closures during Stage 3 and 4 of the plan. Additionally, the Delhi government announced that 50% of its employees would work from home to help reduce pollution.

Delhi's air quality was among the worst in the country, with Jaipur and Chandigarh also ranking as highly polluted cities with AQI readings of 235 and 233, respectively. Meanwhile, Aizawl and Guwahati recorded the lowest pollution levels with AQI readings of 32 and 42.