New Delhi: Delhi- NCR were placed under the strictest anti-pollution restrictions on Saturday after air quality deteriorated sharply, slipping from the ‘severe’ category into ‘severe plus’ within hours.

Authorities invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Action Response Plan as pollution levels surged through the evening amid unfavourable weather conditions.

AQI Spikes Rapidly, Smog Engulfs Key Areas

The decision was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management as real-time data showed a steep decline in air quality. Official readings indicated the Air Quality Index rose from 431 around 4 pm to 441 by 6 pm, before breaching the ‘severe plus’ threshold later at night. By midnight on December 14, the AQI stood at 460, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.

Several parts of the

See Full Page