Ghaziabad city for the second consecutive day on Tuesday recorded “severe” air quality to become country’s second most polluted city after Delhi. Officials of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said the prevailing meteorological conditions have affected the dispersal of pollutants and made the air quality plummet.

Delhi experienced its second consecutive day of hazardous air quality, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460, categorized as 'severe-plus.' While slightly better than the previous day's record low,

With an AQI of 518, Ahmedabad ranks among the cities with the worst air quality in India. The rapid urbanisation and industrial growth in the region have contributed to the deteriorating air quality.

The AQI in Delhi-NCR is in the ‘severe plus’ category. AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “severe” and above 500 is a “severe plus”.

Gurgaon faces a critical pollution crisis as air quality remains 'severe' for two straight days, exacerbated by local emissions and stubble burning. With PM2.5 levels reaching hazardous numbers, urgent action is required to protect public health.