Delhi continues to struggle with 'Very Poor' Air Quality, overall AQI at 374

The air quality in the national capital persisted in the 'very poor' category on Friday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registering at 374, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The dominant pollutant was PM2.5, scoring 33 out of 40, with 33 out of 40 stations participating.

Visuals from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Kalindi Kunj, and Akshardham depicted the city engulfed in smog around 7 am. This follows Thursday's 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 276, as reported by SAFAR-India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts no rainfall in the National Capital until December 11, with clear skies and shallow to moderate fog in the mornings. Delhi has witnessed air quality ranging from 'severe' to 'very poor' in recent weeks.

In a parliamentary exchange during the ongoing Winter Session, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized Union Minister Bhupender Yadav's response to questions on public health and air pollution. Yadav defended the government's efforts, citing a provision of Rs 19,711 crore and the identification of 131 cities for schemes addressing toxic emissions, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10.

The air quality index categorizes readings from 0 to 100 as 'good,' 100 to 200 as 'moderate,' 200 to 300 as 'poor,' 300 to 400 as 'very poor,' and 400 to 500 or above as 'severe.'

(With input from agencies)