Delhi's air quality worsens sharply a week after Diwali with severe pollution

Nearly a week after Diwali, Delhi's air quality sharply declined with the Air Quality Index surpassing 400. Sixteen monitoring stations reported severe pollution, including IIT Delhi and Delhi University North Campus with AQI readings over 440. Dense smog reduced visibility at major landmarks. The situation sparked political tensions, as Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Modi to debate the issue, while the Congress blamed BJP and AAP for reduced green cover. Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denied responsibility, stating stubble burning in his state remained controlled.