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.

The Supreme Court has also directed strict enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) becomes severe.

India, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday morning stood at 492, which is worse than Monday’s 483. Monday’s 483 AQI was the season’s worst but Tuesday has plummeted further.

With air pollution levels escalating to alarming levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region, the sale of air purifiers and masks have surged significantly, according to traders in the city

The air quality in Delhi deteriorated, prompting GRAP IV restrictions. Schools for students up to Class 11 will switch to online learning, construction work will be banned, and only specific vehicles

As areas in Delhi NCR see an AQI of 500, here’s how the toxic pollution is impacting your body on a daily basis