As Diwali and stubble burning create a thick blanket of smog over northern states, air quality plummets to dangerous levels, particularly in Delhi NCR, which records the highest AQI every year around this time.

Demand for air purifiers has witnessed a surge as air quality, especially in Delhi-NCR, dropped to hazardous levels, according to manufacturers of the product. Companies, including Kent RO Systems, Xiaomi,

Despite severe air pollution in Indian cities, particularly in Delhi-NCR, the market for air purifiers and anti-pollution personal care products remains small. Consumers perceive limited tangible benefits and sales spike only during peak pollution periods.

India's capital territory of Delhi is keen to use artificial rain to fight air pollution this year, its Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Tuesday, as deteriorating air quality in the region led to an increase in respiratory illnesses.

Delhi’s air quality continued to deteriorate on Tuesday, November 5, as pollution levels remained in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Footage shows thick smog shrouding Delhi City in northern India on October 27. The Central Pollution Control Board said the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi and surrounding areas reached 361 or 'very poor'.

The impact of firecrackers, pollution and stubble burning in the neighbouring states have contributed largely in worsening the air quality in the capital city. On Saturday, In Anand Vihar, the AQI crossed the 500 mark after 8.

Monday saw a decline in Delhi's air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising beyond 400 in a number of locations, indicating a move into the "severe" category. This follows a documented increase in pollution levels on Sunday.