Smog Engulfs Delhi-NCR, Toxic Foam Blankets Yamuna River As Winter Approaches

At the cusp of winter season, a thin layer of smog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas, even as the air quality plummeted to the 'Poor' category.

At the cusp of winter season, a thin layer of smog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas on Saturday, even as the air quality plummeted to the 'Poor' category. #WATCH | Delhi: A layer of fog engulfs India Gate and surrounding areas as the AQI drops to 251, categorised as 'Poor'. pic.twitter.com/GRK11QlHMF #WATCH | Delhi: A layer of smog engulfs the Akshardham and the surrounding areas as the AQI in the area rises to 334, categorised as 'Very Poor' as per the Central Pollution Control Board pic.twitter.com/1EovJit5Wc #WATCH | Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River as pollution level in the river rises. Drone visuals from Kalindi Kunj. pic.twitter.com/1kLjlYZn3Z

While Delhi Air Quality Index stood at 273, Ghaziabad was at 246 and Noida at 228 at 8.20 am. In Delhi, the highest AQI was at the Akshardham and Anand Vihar area at 334 categorized as 'Very Poor', followed by AQI of 253 at AIIMS and surrounding areas, news agency ANI reported. At India Gate, the AQI dropped to 251, categorized as 'Poor'.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday held an emergency meeting with all concerned officials regarding the issue of pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the air quality is deteriorating as winter approaches the national capital. The Minister said the concerned authorities have been instructed to find out the local sources behind the deteriorating air quality.