Dehradun's Air Quality Plunges, AQI Nears 300; Delhi Remains 'Very Poor'

• Dehradun's Air Quality Index (AQI) has significantly deteriorated, entering the "poor" category and nearing "severe" levels, especially at night.
• On Wednesday, Dehradun's real-time AQI hovered between 260 and 300, with Professor Vijay Shridhar noting an average of 291 during the day and exceeding 300 at night in some areas.
• Environmental experts attribute Dehradun's declining air quality to increased vehicle numbers, waste burning, ongoing construction, and seasonal forest fires.
• Delhi continues to battle "very poor" air quality, recording an AQI of 328 on Wednesday morning, despite a slight improvement from the previous day's 377.
• Experts warn that Dehradun's trend highlights growing environmental stress, necessitating sustained monitoring and stronger enforcement to prevent further deterioration.

Why It Matters: Dehradun's air quality deteriorates significantly, highlighting urban environmental stress alongside Delhi's persistent pollution.