Post-Diwali Toxic Smog Engulfs Delhi-NCR, AQI Dips to 'Severe' Category

New Delhi: Residents of the national capital woke up to dense smog on Friday morning, following Diwali celebrations. Several parts of Delhi recorded air quality index (AQI) levels in the 'very poor' category, inching closer to 'severe.'

According to the CPCB, the AQI at Delhi's Anand Vihar stood at 359 at 6 a.m. on Friday, categorized as 'very poor,' with levels worsening into the 'severe' category on Thursday night.

Area-wise Average AQI in Delhi Today:

 Anand Vihar: 395 (PM2.5)
Ashok Vihar: 324 (PM10)
Burari Crossing: 394 (PM2.5)
Chandni Chowk: 336 (PM2.5)
Dwarka Sector 8: 375 (PM2.5)
IGI Airport (T3): 375 (PM2.5)
Jahangirpuri: 387 (PM2.5)
Mundka: 370 (PM2.5)
RK Puram: 395 (PM2.5)

Meanwhile, surrounding areas including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram reported slightly better air quality in the 'poor' range, while Faridabad recorded a more moderate AQI of 181 on Thursday night. However, a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, vehicle emissions, local pollutants, and stubble burning in nearby states has intensified the smog across Delhi-NCR.