Delhi residents are breathing in air so toxic that it’s equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes daily. As of November 18, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 978, the highest it has been in recent memory.

This dramatic deterioration in air quality has prompted urgent action from authorities, with Delhi experiencing a host of severe environmental concerns.

The air quality in the national capital has worsened with the air quality index (AQI) reading reaching a mark of 483, which is in the ‘severe plus’ category. An AQI of 450 and above is categorised as ‘severe plus’.

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated, prompting GRAP IV restrictions. Schools for students up to Class 11 will switch to online learning, construction work will be banned, and only specific vehicles

Delhi's air quality reached a hazardous AQI level of 1001, as per IQAir, with projections of improvement later in the day. The dense pollution triggered emergency measures, including restrictions on vehicles and construction activities under the GRAP framework.