IN PICS: Delhi-NCR Chokes! Air Turns Toxic A Day After Diwali, People Complain Of Breathing Issues

(PTI Photo)

Pollution levels in the national capital and adjusting areas shot up on Monday after the air quality deteriorated due to firecracker emissions, unfavorable weather and a significant spike in stubble burning.

Ghaziabad: Smoke rises from burning organic waste, a day after Diwali celebrations in Ghaziabad (UP) on Monday. (PTI Photo)

A thin layer of toxic haze hung over Delhi in the morning and the overall air quality index stood at 313 at 9 am. It continued its upward trend and was recorded at 341 at 2.30 pm. (PTI Photo)

The period between October 15 and November 15 is considered critical for Delhi-NCR's air quality due to stubble burning in neighbouring states, firecracker emissions on Diwali and weather patterns across the region trapping pollutants in the atmosphere. (PTI Photo)

According to the AQI data, recorded at 11:20 pm the over air quality of Noida, Sector 62 stood at 422. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: A view of Akshardham temple shrouded in heavy haze post-Diwali celebrations. Delhi had anticipated the season's worst pollution levels in the morning after Diwali, but the air quality, although very poor, turned out better than the last three years, according to data of the government's air quality monitors. (PTI Photo)

The AQI in the satellite towns of Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Noida was 318, 397, 315 and 357, respectively. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Smoke rises as people burn crackers during 'Diwali' celebrations, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

Delhi metro running amid dense haze and low visibility, in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI Photo)

Just after the Diwali celebrations, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) on Monday sprinkled water on roads in Anand Vihar area, to reduce dust as a pollution control measure. (ANI Photo)

Ludhiana: Fire cracker waste at Jail Road being cleared post Diwali; AQI at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana is presently 'Very Poor' at 314. (ANI Photo)