Watch: Delhi disappears in toxic smog; 40 stations go 'red' as residents struggle to breathe

NEW DELHI: Videos on Sunday morning showed India Gate, Akshardham, Anand Vihar, and Delhi airport barely visible through a dense grey haze, as the city’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 497. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all measures under GRAP Stage IV across Delhi-NCR, triggering the strictest pollution-control curbs. Residents reported breathing difficulties. Harsh Vardhan, a local resident from Dwarka, said, “Pollution has only increased. The government should do something. It is good that GRAP IV has been invoked, but the odd-even scheme should also be considered.” Another resident, Suresh from Jalgaon, added, “Clean air is essential for a healthy life. AQI should ideally be ar