New Delhi, November 10 (HS): Air pollution continues to intensify across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), with several areas recording alarmingly high levels of pollution on Tuesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in multiple localities reached the severe category, while a thick haze blanketed the region from the morning, reducing visibility and causing considerable discomfort to residents. People reported breathing difficulties and irritation in their eyes amid the deteriorating air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several prominent areas of Delhi recorded AQI readings in the red zone, indicating severe air pollution. IIT Delhi emerged as the most polluted monitoring location in the capital, with an AQI of 388, followed by Chandni Chowk at 380 and Aya Nagar at 361.

Burari Crossing recorded an AQI of 349, while Siri Fort and Punjabi Bagh registered readings of 343 each. The AQI at R.K. Puram stood at 338, while Mundka recorded 318. Badarpur registered an AQI of 307, followed by Shadipur at 306 and Wazirpur at 304. IGI Airport (Terminal 3) and Jahangirpuri both recorded an AQI of 303.

Vivek Vihar registered an AQI of 299, while Sonia Vihar recorded 283, indicating persistently poor air quality in these areas as well.

The pollution crisis is not confined to Delhi, as neighbouring cities across the NCR are also experiencing severely deteriorating air quality. Ballabhgarh recorded an AQI of 340, followed by Gurugram at 323 and Hisar at 316. Noida registered an AQI of 301, while Ghaziabad and Greater Noida recorded readings of 244 and 233, respectively.

Meanwhile, Anand Vihar, which has frequently featured among Delhi's most polluted localities, recorded an AQI of 300.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar