Residents of Delhi found no relief from worsening air quality on Monday, as a drop in temperatures trapped pollutants in the atmosphere.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 at 9 a.m., categorized as ‘very poor.’

In several parts of the city, AQI levels exceeded 400, entering the ‘severe’ category. Vivek Vihar recorded an AQI of 421, Ashok Vihar 409, and Anand Vihar emerged as one of the most polluted areas with a reading of 433.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi linked the extreme pollution levels in Anand Vihar to buses arriving from neighboring Uttar Pradesh (UP) at the bus terminal in the area. “The air quality in Anand Vihar is severely impacted by these buses, and we need to discuss solutions with the UP government,” she said.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai cited diesel buses from UP as a significant contributor to rising pollution levels. He urged the UP government to implement water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot, located near Anand Vihar, to help reduce dust and exhaust emissions.

“The influx of diesel buses from UP is worsening Delhi’s air quality. A joint effort, such as water sprinkling, could help manage pollution levels,” Rai said.

(With ANI input)