High pollution level fuelled by stubble burning and unfavourable meteorological conditions may lead to swelling of AQI and pushing it back into the ‘severe’ category over the next week as Diwali nears.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged transport ministers of neighboring states to stop diesel buses from entering Delhi due to GRAP II restrictions. He highlighted vehicular emissions from such buses as a major factor in worsening air quality.

The air quality in Delhi has been declining, prompting the authorities to enforce these measures. The second stage of GRAP restrictions came into effect from 8 am.

The city recorded “very poor” quality air on October 24 and the AQI spiked to 340. Know air quality recorded across different locations of the national capital