Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to the severe category in several areas, with the Air Quality Index crossing 400 in locations including Jahangirpuri, Rohini and Punjabi Bagh. The Commission for Air Quality Management has consequently enforced Stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR, while authorities have increased steps to limit dust and vehicle emissions.
CPCB readings displayed at 8.30 am showed Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI at 451. Rohini recorded 431, Punjabi Bagh 424, Alipur 415, Vivek Vihar 411, Bawana 409, DTU 409 and Narela 408. More than 20 other areas reported AQI levels between 300 and 400, according to the report.
Delhi’s average AQI was recorded at 324 on Monday, placing the city in the very poor category. The average had stood at 261 on November 1 and 117 on October 31, indicating a sharp deterioration over a short period. The report attributed the worsening conditions to unfavourable weather and said air quality was expected to remain in the very poor category in the coming days.
Under Stage 2 of GRAP, measures from Stage 1 remain in force and additional restrictions are applied to reduce pollution. The CAQM has appealed to residents to use buses and the Metro instead of private vehicles and has urged employers to consider work-from-home options. The Delhi Metro has announced 20 additional train trips in response to the deterioration in air quality.
The measures also include increased mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads. Dust-control action is being intensified at pollution hotspots and construction sites, while resident welfare associations have been asked to focus on cleanliness. Authorities have also appealed to residents not to burn wood or waste in the open.
The deterioration in Delhi’s air has coincided with renewed pollution in the Yamuna. Toxic foam was reported floating on the river near Kalindi Kunj ahead of the Chhath festival. Preparations have begun to address the foam, including chemical spraying in the river, according to the report.
The CPCB classifies AQI values from zero to 50 as good, 51 to 100 as satisfactory, 101 to 200 as moderate, 201 to 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor and 401 to 500 as severe. GRAP Stage 2 is enforced when air quality reaches the very poor range, with the CAQM taking decisions based on pollution levels and meteorological forecasts.
The restrictions and mitigation measures will remain in effect alongside the first-stage actions as authorities monitor air quality and weather conditions across Delhi-NCR.
