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 Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 392, compared to a reading of 281 at 9 a.m. on Monday (November 25, 2024), according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data Delhi's air quality plunged to 'very poor',

The CAQM noted that Delhi's primary schools lack resources for online classes, particularly affecting Classes 10 and 12. It directed state governments to implement hybrid learning for all up to grade 12.

Delhi's air quality slightly improved to 'very poor' on Tuesday morning, with an AQI of 382, after experiencing 'severe' levels the previous week. Schools are instructed to operate in a hybrid mode (online and offline) for all classes until further notice,