NEW DELHI, Nov 5 (Reuters) - 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.

The Supreme Court also rapped the Delhi government on Monday and demanded to know how the ban on firecrackers was not fully implemented.

Air pollution in many areas in Delhi remained in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar reaching 448 (PM10) at 10am, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that 88% of the pollution-related complaints submitted via the Green Delhi App have been addressed.

IMD experts warn this stillness in the air will continue to make the dispersal of pollutants increasingly challenging in the coming days.

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).

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.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed at least 11 of Delhi’s 40 ambient air quality monitoring stations recorded pollution in the severe range at 8am

A thick layer of smog has engulfed parts of Delhi, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently in the 'very poor' category, reaching hazardous levels. Key areas recorded AQI levels above 350, with some exceeding 400 in the 'severe' range.