AQI Hits 451 Entering 'Severe Plus' Category

Some areas recorded AQI readings as high as 470. The city witnessed dangerously high levels of PM2.5, the primary pollutant.

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Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'severe plus' category on Thursday, with a 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 451 recorded at 4 pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.

The city witnessed dangerously high levels of PM2.5, the primary pollutant, with 32 of the 35 monitoring stations recording air quality in the severe plus category.

Some areas recorded AQI readings as high as 470. The PM2.5 particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled.

The national capital remains under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes the most stringent anti-pollution measures.

The national capital's air quality on Thursday morning was in the severe category while the minimum temperature was 5 degrees Celsius, around three notches below normal.