Delhi's AQI plunges into 'severe' category; Air quality panel says no need for Stage-III curbs

A dense layer of smog hung over Delhi with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm recorded at 410. The situation in Delhi worsened to the 'severe' category on Monday.

Despite the drastic situation in the national capital, the Centre's air quality panel on Monday decided not to invoke curbs under Stage III of the anti-air pollution action plan.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 'severe'.