Delhi/Alive News: India continues to face severe air pollution following Diwali, with 49 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities located in the country, according to AQI.in data. At 9:54 am, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan topped the global list with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 821. Pakistan’s Lahore was the only city outside India in the top 50, ranking 14th with an AQI of 430.
Pollution levels remained severe in several parts of North and Central India on Tuesday. At 6 am, Delhi’s Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI above 400, while several other areas of the capital reported readings above 300.
In Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal and Ujjain also recorded AQI levels above 400. Bahadurgarh in Haryana crossed the same mark. In Uttar Pradesh, Noida recorded an AQI of 332, Bulandshahr 331 and Ghaziabad 324.
Temperature drops in North India
Along with rising pollution, temperatures have also fallen in several states. Night temperatures dropped to around 11°C in Madhya Pradesh and 15°C in Uttar Pradesh.
An AQI between 201 and 300 falls in the poor category, 301-400 is considered very poor, and 401-500 is classified as severe. Severe pollution can affect even healthy individuals and may cause breathing difficulties and other health problems.
Rain brings relief to parts of Tamil Nadu
Meanwhile, several areas of Tamil Nadu, including Thoothukudi, are receiving continuous rainfall. According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall is also likely in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand. Strong winds are expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Supreme Court raises concern over vehicular pollution
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over rising vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR and called for immediate action. It has sought details from the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, along with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police, regarding action taken against old vehicles and those violating pollution standards.
