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.

Overview

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.