The air quality in Delhi-NCR worsened on Wednesday, remaining in the "very poor" category with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 396, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The worsening pollution levels have raised serious health concerns among residents, especially with several areas in Delhi recording AQI levels above 400, edging closer to the "severe" category.

Mundka topped the list with an AQI of 443, followed by Rohini and Vivek Vihar at 432 each. Anand Vihar saw an AQI of 431, while Jahangirpuri recorded 422. Other areas heavily impacted by the pollution include Sonia Vihar at 425, Shadipur at 423, and Punjabi Bagh at 413. Alipur, Narela, and Ashok Vihar also recorded AQI levels in the "severe" range, at 416, 415, and 420, respectively, painting a grim picture of the air quality in the region.

Nearby NCR cities have also seen a decline in air quality, though not as severe as Delhi's. Faridabad reported an AQI of 184, Gurugram at 160, and Noida at 257. While these figures are relatively better, they still pose health risks.

The CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: 0-50 is "good," 51-100 is "satisfactory," 101-200 is "moderate," 201-300 is "poor," 301-400 is "very poor," 401-450 is "severe," and any AQI above 450 is considered "severe plus."

Amid these hazardous air conditions, the Supreme Court upheld the restrictions imposed under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which aims to reduce pollution in the area. These restrictions include a ban on non-essential truck entry, with exceptions for those carrying essential goods or using clean fuels like LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Additionally, construction activities at public infrastructure sites have been suspended to limit dust emissions.

As air quality continues to deteriorate, experts emphasize the need for long-term solutions to control pollution. Residents are urged to minimize outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions to protect their health as the region faces severe air pollution.

Delhi's Air Quality Stays in 'Very Poor' Range Amid Persistent Smog

Delhi Orders 50% Work-from-Home as Air Quality Deteriorates

Delhi Minister Gopal Rai Urges Urgent Meeting for Cloud Seeding to Combat Smog