New Delhi: Two days after Diwali, the air in Delhi and its neighbouring cities turned dangerously toxic, with the national capital recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 353, placing it firmly in the ‘Very Poor’ category.

According to the latest Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin issued at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (October 22), Delhi’s air was laden with PM2.5 particles — the most harmful pollutant for human lungs.

The situation was even more alarming in satellite towns.

Dharuhera (379), Rohtak (349), Noida (330), Bhiwani (331), Narnaul (332), and Ghaziabad (321) reported severe pollution, making the National Capital Region (NCR) one of the most polluted zones in the country.

Greater Noida (308), Ambala (312), and Yamuna Nagar (320) followed closely behind.

Experts attribute

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