The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said that Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 432 on Wednesday, reaching the "severe" level.
India's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) classifies AQI as follows -- 0–50 "Good," 51–100 "Satisfactory," 101–200 "Moderate," 201–300 "Poor," 301–400 "Very Poor," 401–450 "Severe," and above 450 "Very Severe."
Delhi's AQI has consistently stayed in the “Very Poor” range since Oct. 30, rising to "Severe" on Wednesday.
A smog originating in Punjab in northwestern India and parts of eastern Pakistan has now spread across northern India. Crop stubble burning has added pollutants, blanketing Delhi and nearby areas in toxic haze.
UNICEF reported on Nov. 11 that over 11 million children under the age of five in Punjab are at risk due to exposure to toxic air, calling for urgent actions to protect their health.
Despite these risks, response measures such as school closures are not expected. CAQM has assessed the AQI spike as temporary and projects that strong winds on Friday will bring the AQI down to the "very poor" level.
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