The air in the capital Delhi has become toxic after Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached close to 500 in many areas. This is the most dangerous level of pollution of the season. Experts have advised children and the elderly to stay indoors.
Delhi and its neighbouring cities are expected to further slip into the ‘severe’ category more widely on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Smog was observed in many areas of the capital on Tuesday morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality here is in the 'very poor' category.
The sounds of firecrackers were heard in Delhi until late at night on Diwali.
The Supreme Court had set a time limit for firecrackers. The Supreme Court had allowed the bursting of green firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on the Diwali day.
At 6 am on Tuesday, the air quality (AQI) in Anand Vihar was recorded at 348.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 300 and 400 is considered "very poor."
The AQI at ITO was 345, Burari Crossing 393, Chandni Chowk 347, and Lodhi Road 334.
Air quality in Noida and Gurugram, adjacent to Delhi, also remained in the "very poor" category.
Noida Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 307 on Tuesday morning. Sector 51 in Gurugram recorded an AQI of 346.