Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the “very poor” category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded above 330 in several parts of the city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 392, Ashok Vihar at 350, and RK Puram at 359. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 19°C today.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai expressed concerns over the impact of stubble burning from neighboring states like Haryana and Punjab, which contributes to rising pollution levels during this period. Rai urged the Union Environment Minister to address the issue of artificial rain as a possible solution to the pollution crisis.
Stubble burning contributes 25-30% to Delhi’s air pollution during the months of October and November, but experts emphasize that year-round measures are necessary to tackle the capital’s pollution problem. Toxic foam was also reported in the Yamuna river, adding to the city’s environmental challenges