Rohtak, Nov. 5 -- Ahead of Diwali, air quality across several districts of Haryana, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), has deteriorated significantly despite restrictions on older, polluting vehicles. The rising AQI readings highlight that vehicular emissions are just one part of a larger pollution crisis driven by industrial emissions, construction dust, waste burning, crop residue burning, and stagnant weather conditions.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data provided for the period, six cities in Haryana have recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 300, placing them in the "very poor" category, while several other cities have reported readings above 200, indicating "poor" air quality.

The ...