GRAP 3 invoked across Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali; several areas in 'severe' zone

The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan due to severe air pollution. Delhi's average Air Quality Index was recorded at hazardous levels in multiple areas today. Municipal authorities deployed water sprinklers to control dust around India Gate and other locations. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faced criticism from Delhi's environment minister for misleading information about stubble burning.