Delhi's AQI Soars to Hazardous 494, 16 Stations Record Severe Pollution

Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply, with the real‑time AQI reaching 494, placing the city in the hazardous bracket defined by national standards. Sixteen monitoring stations across the metropolis logged readings in the severe range, indicating widespread smog. The spike follows the typical winter build‑up of pollutants, driven by vehicular emissions and stubble burning in neighboring states. Municipal authorities issued health advisories, urging residents, especially those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor exposure and wear masks. Employers were asked to allow up to half of their workforce to work remotely or adopt necessary precautions, while the Delhi Pollution Control Committee pledged tighter monitoring and stricter emission enforcement.