Toxic air tightens grip on Delhi-NCR as AQI crosses 'severe', Noida worst affected at 426

New Delhi, Dec. 23 -- A thick blanket of smog engulfed the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday as air quality deteriorated sharply, breaching the 'severe' category in several cities. Noida recorded the most polluted air in the country.

At 4 pm on Tuesday, Noida's 24-hour rolling average Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 426, the highest nationwide, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi followed closely, with AQI readings touching 412.

Neighbouring cities Ghaziabad and Greater Noida recorded AQI levels of 398 and 388, respectively, hovering on the brink of the 'severe' category. Gurugram, with an AQI of 364, remained in the 'very poor' range, while Faridabad fared relatively better at 239.

The CPCB cl...