Delhi’s air quality stayed in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 328, as per data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). While this marked a slight improvement from Sunday’s AQI of 356, pollution levels remain alarmingly high.

In Anand Vihar, a slight improvement was observed, with the AQI recorded at 357 at 7 AM—still categorized as ‘very poor.’ On Sunday, the AQI in the area had spiked to 405, classified as ‘severe.’ But air quality near the Akshardham temple deteriorated, with the AQI rising to 357 from 261 the previous day.

Despite the ban on firecrackers in place until January 1, SAFAR has forecasted that Delhi’s air quality is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category in the coming week, citing unfavorable meteorological conditions for effective pollutant dispersion.

Meanwhile, the Yamuna river’s condition showed no signs of improvement, with toxic foam continuing to float at Kalindi Kunj.

The river’s pollution has sparked a war of words between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Saturday, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva was hospitalized after taking a dip in the Yamuna to protest what he described as “corruption” by the Delhi government, accusing AAP of diverting funds meant for river cleanup.

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, responded by accusing the BJP of politicizing the issue. “All governments and parties need to work together. While I wish them good health, theatrics won’t solve pollution,” Rai told ANI.

“I had written to the BJP president while preparing the winter action plan, but no response or suggestions have been received so far,” he added.

(With ANI input)