New Delhi [India], January 5 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MLAs on Monday staged a protest inside the Delhi Assembly premises, drawing attention to the worsening air pollution levels in the national capital.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Atishi, led the protest amid AAP's efforts to press for urgent policy measures and accountability on Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

The protest highlighted concerns over public health, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues, as Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air quality. Party leaders demanded immediate action by the government to implement stricter measures to curb pollution, including emissions from vehicles, industrial discharges, and stubble burning from neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Guwahati, woke up to a layer of fog on Monday morning. Air quality varied from 'poor' to very poor' category across several parts of the national capital, while several flights were delayed at the IGI Airport.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded AQI at 260 in the 'Poor' category by 8 am on Monday.

Visuals from Akshardham showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 294, falling in the 'poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCM). At ITO, the AQI was recorded as 256, also categorised as 'poor', while Anand Vohar reported a sharper decline at 320, placing the area in the 'very poor' bracket.

Chandni Chowk remained among the worst-affected areas, recording an AQI of 337, classified as 'very poor'. Reduced visibility due to fog and smog disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with several flights delayed in the early hours.

Notably, in Delhi, the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and adjoining areas lifted Stage-III restrictions on Friday evening, citing significant air quality improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions. (ANI)