Winter is Coming: Delhi Air Quality Worsens as Mercury dips.

Air Pollution is rising as AQI deteriorates to 'Poor' in the National Capital.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday was 221 in the 'poor' category, shooting up from 69 (satisfactory) on Tuesday and 46 - first 'good' air day of this year - on Monday. On Thursday, the AQI for the Anand Vihar area in Delhi is worst with an AQI of 303 in the hazardous category.

According to the officials, the spike is mainly on account of northwesterly winds returning, bringing smoke and pollutants from intensified stubble burning activity in Haryana and Punjab.

Ahead of the festive weekend, rising stubble burning incidents and favorable winds pose threat for the residents in the National Capital.

In response, the Delhi government launched the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign on October 18 to combat air pollution, with the first phase lasting till November 18. Delhi MLAs will take to the streets today to raise awareness of the campaign.

Security arrangements across Kashmir have been beefed up after the Valley witnessed a spate of civilian killings this month.