Delhi's air quality worsens with AQI surpassing 400 after Diwali celebrations

Delhi's air quality has worsened significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 424 in Anand Vihar, marking the worst levels in the country. Fifteen monitoring stations reported "severe" pollution, with AQI readings above 400. The city's 24-hour average AQI rose to 382, up from 316 the previous day. This decline follows a brief improvement after Diwali, as pollution levels increased despite a ban on firecrackers. In response, Delhi's chief minister announced the deployment of 10,000 civil defense volunteers to assist in combating air pollution. These volunteers were previously removed from their roles as bus marshals last year.