A thin layer of smog blanketed the city on Thursday, with the Capital’s air quality slipping back into the ‘Very Poor’ category amid a decrease in temperatures and an increase in instances of stubble burning in neighbouring states.

After two days of slight improvement, Delhi ’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 311, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Wednesday, the AQI was recorded at 202, as favourable wind conditions helped disperse pollutants. The AQI was 291 on Tuesday and 309 on Monday.

On Thursday, 351 instances of stubble burning were recorded in Punjab — the second highest daily count this pre-winter season. The highest was observed on November 1 when Punjab had witnessed 442 instances of stubble burning.

Meanwhile, while Uttar

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