Thick Smog Envelops Delhi, Neighbouring Cities For 2nd Consecutive Day After Diwali

At 6 am today, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 533, which puts it in the 'severe' category.

The AQI in the adjoining areas of Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida was even higher than Delhi's.

Air quality levels in the national capital plummeted to hazardous levels on Diwali night, and continued to worsen the following morning.

The hazardous air quality resulted from thousands in the city and nearby areas violating Diwali bans on firecrackers imposed by the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana governments.

The city woke up Friday under a blanket of toxic smog with particulate matter (PM) at 457 - the highest levels in the past three years.

Airborne PM2.5 can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. Those with respiratory problems have been advised to stay indoors.