Delhi, 20 November (H.S.): A dense blanket of toxic smog continued to choke the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 399 at 9 am, falling under the “Very Poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Despite brief spells of sunlight, the skies over Delhi-NCR have remained dark and hazy since Diwali, with no sign of improvement. Among major NCR cities, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 429, Noida 408, Delhi 398, Greater Noida 384, Gurugram 302, and Faridabad 258.

Restrictions and Court Directions

Severe smog conditions have reduced visibility and raised health concerns as GRAP Stage III restrictions remain in force. Schools continue to operate in hybrid mode, with 50% of classes held online.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider postponing open-air sports competitions in Delhi-NCR schools scheduled for November and December. The court also urged the Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments to provide financial support to construction workers affected by the construction ban under GRAP III. The bench stressed the need for long-term measures to curb air pollution and directed that related matters be reviewed every month.

AQI Status Across Delhi

Several locations recorded AQI in the “Severe” category at 9 am:

Moti Bagh 439, Punjabi Bagh 439, Akshardham 420, and Dhaula Kuan 423, while ITO and India Gate stood at 400, classified as “Very Poor.”

As per CPCB standards, AQI between 401–500 is considered “Severe,” 301–400 “Very Poor,” 201–300 “Poor,” 101–200 “Moderate,” 51–100 “Satisfactory,” and 0–50 “Good.”

In comparison, other major cities recorded lower pollution levels: Ahmedabad 178, Bengaluru 79, Chennai 90, Jaipur 230, Hyderabad 119, Patna 134, Pune 182, Lucknow 204, and Mumbai 145.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar