In Delhi, NSIT Dwarka, Nehru Nagar, Moti Marg, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Dwarka, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar were among the areas that suffered from 'severe' pollution levels
The city's overall score on an air quality index kept by India's top pollution authorities was 'very poor' at 384, the ministry added, and was likely to stay there until Thursday
Multiple air quality monitoring stations hovered close to the 'severe' mark in Delhi, with Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar recording an AQI of over 400
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows that certain areas of Delhi are grappling with hazardous pollution levels
The data also showed that the noise pollution declined by 20 per cent as compared to last year on Diwali, officials said on Saturday.
Delhi experienced a surge in bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, leading to a significant rise in pollution levels. The air quality index remained in the 'very poor' category across most areas
Historically, the post-Diwali haze has lingered, especially with winter weather compounding the pollution from firecrackers
He also congratulated Delhi residents for acting responsibly by lighting diyas instead of bursting firecrackers, which contributed to controlling pollution levels
According to the State Pollution Control Board data, the AQI in the city's Chhoti Gwaltoli area was pegged at 404 at noon, while the PM 2.5 (particulate matter) average was recorded at 255.26
Despite a firecracker ban, Diwali celebrations in Delhi saw heavy use of fireworks, causing the AQI to hit 'very poor' levels, with some areas nearing 'severe' as thick smog settled in
In Jalandhar, the AQI at 11 pm was 256, while at Ludhiana, it was 234, Mandi Gobindgarh 266, while Patiala recorded an AQI of 244
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index in Noida was 230. Similar conditions were observed in Ghaziabad, with an average AQI of 237. In Gurugram, air quality recorded a slightly lower AQI of 213
In such air quality conditions, CPCB warns that most people risk experiencing breathing discomfort from prolonged exposure to toxic air containing particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10
India's major cities face severe air quality issues, with Delhi's AQI exceeding 300 for two days; Kolkata is the only city below 100
The air quality in Delhi dipped to the 'very poor' category again on Sunday after remaining in 'poor' levels for two previous days, aided by favourable winds
In some areas, the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark with Anand Vihar recording 405, categorised as 'Severe' by the CPCB
The pollution control body has predicted that Delhi will witness clear skies for the next three days
Delhi air quality: The upcoming Diwali festival and ongoing stubble burning crisis in Haryana and Punjab could push AQI levels beyond 500, breaching the hazardous 'severe' category
Like Delhi, Mumbai woke up to a thick layer of smog on Friday. In the national capital, pollution levels were recorded at 281 as of 8 am. Haryana and Rajasthan also witnessed poor air quality levels
Delhi air quality today: The official data showed that the 'very poor' air quality level in Delhi is expected to continue till Saturday. It could also reach to 'severe' level in the coming week