India, Dec. 16 -- Even as recurring waste fires continued across the city, adding to already high pollution levels, Gurugram's air quality worsened sharply on Monday, sliding into the "very poor" category as the Air Quality Index climbed to 345 at 4pm. A day earlier, the district had recorded a "poor" AQI of 291 at 4pm, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's national bulletin.

Residents across multiple sectors said frequent garbage burning, especially during evenings and nights, has worsened air quality since the Diwali festival in October. Complaints have emerged from sectors 34, 46, 52, 56, 72, 76 and 81, with residents alleging that waste fires have continued unchecked for weeks.

Hambir Singh, a commuter, said waste fires...