The Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 31, took note of the deteriorating air quality conditions in the National Capital Region. Delhi's air quality index (AQI) remained in the "very poor" category today for the fourth consecutive day with the AQI falling in the "severe" category in many areas.

The court recognised crop burning as a major contributor to the declining air quality in the capital. Furthermore, it observed that there are reports of a spike in instances of crop burning.

In response, the Supreme Court has directed the Chief Secretaries of the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi to file affidavits detailing the actions taken to address crop burning.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for a week from now on November 7.

Visuals from Delhi today showed the India Gate almost hidden behind smog.

VIDEO | Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' for the fourth straight day as the pollution levels entered the 'severe' zone in parts of the city. Visuals from India Gate. pic.twitter.com/AICZA2i0fm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 31, 2023

On Tuesday morning, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 327, as per SAFAR-India data. Specifically, Pusa Road and Lodhi Road areas recorded AQI levels of 300 and 306, respectively, both falling under the ‘very poor’ category.

Delhi University reported an AQI of 388, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality. Terminal 3 at the international airport recorded an AQI of 329, also in the ‘very poor’ range. Noida and Mathura Road had AQI levels of 375 and 330, respectively. Ayanagar and IIT Delhi recorded AQIs of 307 and 320. Gurugram had a comparatively lower AQI of 249, indicating ‘poor’ air quality. However, Dhirpur recorded an AQI of 404, falling into the ‘severe’ category.

(Edited by : Ayushi Agarwal)