CHARGES OF INACTION AS DELHI AIR QUALITY DIPS

Amid attack by opposition, Delhi Chief Minister announced staggered working hours for Delhi government departments and MCD to reduce peak-hour traffic.

- TIKAM SHARMA NEW DELHI

Vehicles commute under dense smog on NH-24 as air quality in Delhi dips to 'very poor' category on Saturday. ANI

(ANI)

Delhi's air quality remained in the "very poor" range throughout the week, with the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 347 on Saturday, according to Swiss-based air monitoring agency IQAir. The data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) placed the national capital firmly in the 'red zone', ranking it as the most polluted city in the country.

Experts attribute the persistent deterioration in air quality to a combination of post-Diwali pollution, stubble burning in neighbouring states, and sluggish wind movement that has trapped pollutants over the region. The fine particulate matter PM2.5 continues to be the primary pollutant, posing significant health hazards to residents.