Delhi’s air quality deteriorates before Diwali; some areas record 'severe' levels

New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, the air quality in several areas of Delhi entered the 'severe' category on Sunday morning.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI in Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Alipur surpassed the 400 mark, with AQI readings of 414, 406, 404, and 403, respectively, as of 8 a.m. today.

The overall air quality in Delhi has once again worsened to a 'very poor' level, with an Air Quality Index of 349 recorded at 6 a.m. on Sunday, an increase from the 277 recorded on Saturday morning.

The lung-damaging particulate matter PM2.5 remained the prominent pollutant in the city.

ITO recorded an AQI of 367, while Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 320.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good,' 51 to 100 'satisfactory,' 101 to 200 'moderate,' 201 to 300 'poor,' 301 to 400 'very poor,' and 401 to 500 'severe.'