New Delhi: A thick layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR on Wednesday morning, with the air quality index (AQI) remaining in the 'very poor' category. The AQI was measured at 349, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). Toxic foam was spotted on the surface of the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area on Tuesday, as pollution levels in the river continue to be elevated.

Despite the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activating stage two of its anti-pollution plan, pollution levels continue to be concerning. Real-time data from SAFAR showed that the AQI in Delhi at 8:00 am was recorded at 354, which is considered 'very poor.'

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The AQI scale categorises air quality as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), 401-450 (severe), and above 450 (severe-plus).

Jahangirpuri was the hardest-hit area, with an AQI of 417. Anand Vihar also reported high pollution levels at 402. Other areas experiencing 'very poor' air quality included Alipur, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Burari, Dwarka, IGI Airport (T3), Mundka, Narela, Okhla, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini, RK Puram, Vivek Vihar, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, and Wazirpur.

On Tuesday, the 24-hour AQI reached 327 (very poor) at 4:00 pm, up from 310 the previous day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A higher AQI indicates worsening air pollution. The national capital has faced significant pollution in recent days, prompting authorities to implement GRAP Stage 2, or the Graded Response Action Plan.

Under this stage, the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as diesel generators (except for emergency and essential services), is prohibited. GRAP outlines measures to combat air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas based on the severity of the situation.

As winter approaches and the annual smog season begins, pollution levels in the capital are expected to rise further.

Agency