Northern India is grappling with a severe air quality crisis as pollution levels skyrocket across major cities. The situation is particularly dire in Delhi, Mumbai, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, posing significant health risks.

A day after implementation of restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital region of Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi marginally dipped to 476 at 12 noon Tuesday from 495, recorded at 9 pm Monday.

Delhi’s neighbouring cities also recorded bad air quality on Thursday. Ghaziabad choked with an AQI of 378, Noida at 372 and Gurugram at 372.

As of Monday afternoon, three major cities recorded "poor" air quality, ten fell into the "moderate" category, and only two were rated "satisfactory."

Delhi's AQI hits 494, making it the most polluted city globally, with severe health and economic implications.