The Delhi government plans to induce artificial rain if air pollution levels increase post Diwali and Chhath Puja, according to sources. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi currently stands at 367, which falls in the 'very poor' category, with some areas recording 'severe' levels of pollution. Jahangirpuri in North Delhi recorded the highest AQI at 459 followed by IIT Delhi and Punjabi Bagh, which recorded AQI levels of at 445, with PM2.5 emerging as the dominant pollutant. Visibility has dropped sharply, and residents report respiratory discomfort amid the dense haze that has reduced sunlight and blanketed landmarks such as India Gate.
