New Delhi, Nov. 20 -- The city's air quality hovered near the severe category on Thursday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 391, showing no improvement from the previous day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On Wednesday, the AQI was 392 at 4 pm and remained at similar levels through the day due to calm winds.
According to CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', while 51 to 100 is 'satisfactory'. The levels climb from 'moderate' (101-200) to 'poor' (201-300), before entering the 'very poor' band (301-400). Any reading from 401 to 500 is classified as 'severe', where prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness even in healthy individuals.
Air quality monitors across the city pain...