Experts warn this temporary relief may not last, with pollution levels likely to rise over the weekend as wind speeds decrease.

Whatever the causes of the smog, by one ranking Delhi was not just the most polluted city in the world, but “nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka,” in Bangladesh next door, as Shashi Tharoor, a leader of the opposition in Parliament and best-selling author, posted on X.

The Northern Plains, home to 540.7 million people across seven states, is the most polluted region in India yet

Hundreds of millions of Indians breathe some of the world’s most toxic air all year round. Air pollution in the capital area that’s home to about 30 million people is especially stubborn. In winter, the cold weather actually makes the smog even worse — and potent.

Unhealthy

Delhi's pollution levels slightly decrease, nearing 'poor' category, with AQI at 301, haze persists, health risks remain.

Delhi's air quality improved slightly on Tuesday. Wind speed helped clear some pollution. The AQI shifted from 'severe' to 'very poor'. GRAP-IV restrictions remained in place. Schools continued hybrid learning.