With rising levels of pollution ahead of the Diwali season, several cities woke up to a blanket of smog hovering over them. In the national capital, residents have been complaining of breathing difficulties. Not just in Delhi, the AQI level has seen a drop in multiple cities across the country, including Mumbai and Agra. 

At 7 am today, the most polluted area in Delhi was Jahangirpuri, which recorded an AQI of 408 (severe). It was closely followed by Anand Vihar and Nehru Nagar, both at an AQI of 405 (severe). Meanwhile, neighboring regions such as Ghaziabad and Greater Noida reported AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category, measuring 256 and 232, respectively.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the air quality at 7 am was in the ‘moderate category’ with an AQI of 107. However, the AQEWS has predicted that the AQI will reach 222 later in the day, placing the air quality in the ‘poor’ category. 

Let’s take a look at how the smog wrapped itself around the cities.

Air Pollution in Delhi:

Anand Vihar: The Air Quality Index around Anand Vihar has surpassed the 400 mark, reaching 405, which is classified as ‘Severe’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

Nehru Place: A thick layer of smog blankets Nehru Place and nearby areas as the overall AQI decreased in the national capital.

India Gate: Morning walkers, joggers, and cyclists while exercising this morning at Kartavya Path near India Gate despite the declining air quality in the city.

ITO: The AQI around ITO and nearby areas has reached 361, classified as ‘Very Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Yamuna River: Video shows toxic foam floating on the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj, as pollution levels in the river remain elevated.

Air Pollution in Mumbai:

Marine Drive: Parts of Mumbai awaken to a layer of lingering smog, as the overall air quality worsened. 

Here are some visuals from Marine Drive this morning.

Wadala area: The overall air quality in Mumbai is classified as ‘Good’ according to SAFAR-India.

(Visuals from the Wadala area)

Agra:The Taj Mahal in Agra is shrouded in haze today as air pollution levels increased.