New Delhi

A thick layer of toxic smog covered the national capital on Thursday, with the air quality remaining in the very poor range a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management lifted Stage III restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Central Pollution Control Board data showed that Delhi recorded an AQI of 349 at 7 am. On Wednesday afternoon, the reading stood at 327. Smog was clearly visible in several parts of the city, including Anand Vihar, where the AQI touched 390, just shy of the severe category.

Wazirpur reported one of the worst readings at 406, along with Bawana at 405. Mandir Marg reported the cleanest air in the city with a level of 243. Several other areas continued to record very poor or severe readings, including Rohini 400, Vivek Vihar 400, Nehru Nagar 395, Jahangirpuri 394, Narela 388, Punjabi Bagh 377, Mundka 377, Chandni Chowk 371 and ITO 357.

Relatively lower levels were seen at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium 299, Lodhi Road 297, Sri Aurobindo Marg 295 and Aya Nagar 282.

Residents reported breathing discomfort and a feeling of suffocation. Water sprinklers were deployed in parts of the city such as Kartavya Path, where the AQI was 299, to help reduce dust levels.

The CAQM said it lifted Stage III measures after pollution levels eased from severe to very poor. However, agencies have been instructed to strictly enforce actions under Stage I and Stage II to prevent a fresh spike in toxic air.

The order also clarified that construction sites previously shut for violations will not be allowed to restart work without separate approval from the Commission.

READ MORE: How Mohammed Ali Khalid became global face of Indian Scouts and Guides Movement

The Graded Response Action Plan is a set of emergency measures that activate progressively when pollution levels cross specific thresholds in Delhi NCR.