Delhi: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 378 at approximately 8 am on Tuesday, putting the city in the “very poor” category. Delhi continues to suffocate under dangerous air conditions.

Pollution levels in several areas of the nation’s capital remained dangerously high, despite a little improvement from Monday night, when the AQI reached 427 in the “severe” category. Both locals and tourists had breathing difficulties and decreased vision due to a heavy layer of haze.

Critical air quality levels were observed in a number of important places. Sarai Kale Khan’s AQI was 359 and India Gate’s was 380, both of which were considered “very poor.” Anand Vihar and Ghazipur were still among the worst-hit locations, with AQI scores in the “severe” category, averaging around 410.

According to CPCB guidelines, an AQI of 301 to 400 is deemed “very poor,” while an AQI of 401 to 500 is deemed “severe.”

The Delhi government has ordered schools to completely switch to online instruction for kids up to Class 5 till further notice in response to the ongoing air quality crisis. The hybrid mode will be suspended in order to reduce children’s exposure to harmful air.