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Delhi AQI News: Delhi-NCR residents woke up to another day of choking smog on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the 'severe' category.

The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded the city’s AQI at 389, while private monitor AQI.in pegged it at 470, a level equivalent to smoking 12 cigarettes daily. Thick haze covered the skyline, reducing visibility of buildings and major roads in the morning.

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As of 11 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed several localities in the ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ category. Anand Vihar recorded 427 (severe), ITO stood at 420 (severe), and Punjabi Bagh was at 408 (severe). Other affected areas included Ashok Vihar at 419 (severe), Chandni Chowk at 422 (severe), Siri Fort at 398 (very poor), and Narela at 423 (severe).

The variation in readings reflects differences in the monitoring parameters and the locations of air quality stations across the city.

Also Read: Delhi AQI improves slightly but most areas remain in ‘very poor’ zone—Latest measures and weather outlook

In view of the persistently high pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has maintained Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Measures under this stage restrict operations of construction projects, brick kilns, stone crushers, and other high-emission activities.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit status reports on steps taken to curb stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi-NCR’s air pollution.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, noted worsening air quality despite the enforcement of GRAP measures and continues to monitor pollution control efforts.