Delhi's air quality improved slightly on Tuesday morning but remained in the 'very poor' category, with the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 307 at 7 a.m., according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported by news agency ANI. A second wire reading, reported by IANS, put the AQI at 304 around 8:10 a.m. The improvement follows Monday's post-Diwali deterioration, when the ITO station in the capital crossed into the 'severe' band at 406.

Source: ANI

Chandni Chowk was the capital's most polluted spot on Tuesday morning. ANI reported Chandni Chowk at 395, followed by Punjabi Bagh at 355 and Aya Nagar at 354, while IANS reported Pusa and Chandni Chowk at 395 each, NSUT Jaffarpur at 382 and the Commonwealth Sports Complex area at 380. Under the CPCB's classification, an AQI of 301-400 is 'very poor' and 401-500 is 'severe'.

Source: IANS

307Delhi's overall AQI at 7 a.m. Tuesday (CPCB)
395Chandni Chowk — the capital's highest reading
406ITO reading on Monday, in the 'severe' band

Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in force following the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) decision, IANS reported. The Delhi government is deploying water sprinklers across the capital to help settle dust and minimise the impact of particulate matter, according to ANI.

Source: IANS

There is little weather relief in sight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no rainfall in Delhi between November 10 and 15, IANS reported, while ANI said the capital recorded a morning temperature of 17.0°C with moderate fog, which the IMD expects to persist for the next five days.

Source: ANI

Delhi's air deteriorated sharply after Diwali celebrations on Sunday, and Monday's readings were among the worst of the season so far. With GRAP Stage III curbs continuing and no rain forecast this week, officials expect pollution levels to stay elevated in the 'very poor' band in the coming days.