The air quality in the Delhi-NCR region has deteriorated further, breaching the severe-plus level with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494 as of 6 am this morning.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, some parts of the city have recorded the 500 AQI levels. Delhi’s IGI Airport station was recorded at 500, Bawana at 500, Anand Vihar at 500, JLN Stadium at 498, Okhla Phase-2 at 492, NSIT Dwarka at 490 and ITO at 386.

In view of the increasing level of air pollution in the national capital, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed the Delhi Government to implement staggered timings in all government offices. This order will be effective on all offices of the Delhi Government and Municipal Corporation.

Delhi Municipal Corporation offices will open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm while Delhi Government offices will work from 10 am to 6:30 pm. This arrangement will remain in force till February next year.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that all classes in Delhi schools, including for Classes 10 and 12, will be held online exclusively from today. Delhi University will also conduct classes in online mode till Saturday.

Shallow to moderate fog was observed during the early morning hours today in different parts of the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi and NCR are likely to experience smog and Dense fog during the night and morning hours over the next two days.