Delhi Chokes: AQI Nears 'Severe' at 393 Amidst Grey Skies, Cold Wave

• Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 393, categorized as "very poor" and close to "severe."
• Key areas like Chandni Chowk (455), Wazirpur (449), Bawana (446), Rohini (444), and Anand Vihar (438) reported even worse AQI levels.
• Adjoining cities including Gurugram (354), Noida (352), and Ghaziabad (334) also recorded "very poor" air quality.
• The pollution coincides with Delhi's first cold wave, with Saturday being the coldest December day at 16.9°C.
• Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is active, implementing strict measures like construction bans and vehicle restrictions.

Why It Matters: Delhi faces severe air pollution (AQI 393) and cold, with GRAP Stage IV measures in effect.