Delhi's air quality continued to dwell in the "very poor" category for the sixth consecutive day, with an AQI reading of 351 observed on Thursday morning. The city's residents awoke to a hazy morning as the temperature dropped to 16.3 degrees Celsius. Data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune revealed that the primary contributors to PM 2.5 levels over the past two days were the city's transportation sector and emissions from other regions within the NCR, according to media reports.
In response to the persistent air quality concerns, the Delhi High Court called upon the Forest Department to take immediate action to improve the air quality in the National Capital. The court urged the department to address the issue urgently.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP government for its perceived inaction on the rising air pollution, stating that Delhi's residents were grappling with respiratory diseases while the Kejriwal government seemed to be avoiding its responsibilities.
On the other hand, Mumbai reported "moderate" air quality on Thursday morning, with an AQI level of 160. The island city has consistently maintained a moderate air quality rating in recent days. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicated that the worst air quality was recorded in Mulund West in the eastern suburbs, with an AQI of 232, followed by Colaba (226), Chembur and Bandra East, both registering an AQI of 222, Sion (218), and BKC (201).
Following The Indian Express's "Death by Breath" series, which highlighted how the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had contributed to the deterioration of air quality, Mumbai's Guardian Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, announced the city's plans to establish a command-and-control center. This center will monitor AQI and issue alerts and advisories to residents, particularly on days when the city records "poor" and "very poor" air quality.
