Delhi and Mumbai Choke Under Deteriorating Air Quality
Severe pollution levels in Delhi and poor air quality in Mumbai raise health concerns as smog blankets both cities.
- Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the 'severe' category with a 24-hour average of 409, marking five 'severe' days in the past six days.
- Mumbai's AQI hovered between 'moderate' and 'poor' levels, with localized areas like Colaba and Mazgaon recording 'very poor' air quality.
- Delhi has enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning construction activities and restricting older diesel vehicles.
- Experts attribute worsening air quality in both cities to low wind speeds, cold wave conditions, and pollution from vehicular and industrial emissions.
- Health officials warn residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities due to harmful PM2.5 and ozone levels.