The Air Quality Index recorded in Delhi was 379, categorised as ‘very poor’, as of 8 am.
New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog is still covering Delhi and NCR, making it hard to see clearly in many areas. The air quality is in the ‘poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 379, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category as of 8 am.
The air quality is even worse in specific areas like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Dwarka Sector-8, Mundka, and Wazirpur, where the AQI is in the ‘severe’ category. Flights have been delayed, and some trains are running late or rescheduled due to the smog.
Commission for Air Quality Management Activates Stage-IV of GRAP
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the worsening air quality. This means that there are restrictions on truck entry and public construction projects. The Delhi government has also announced that only 50% of the staff in government offices under the Delhi Government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi will work from the office, while the remaining 50% will work from home.
New Guidelines in Place
Under the revised GRAP guidelines, NCR states must stop physical classes up to Class V under GRAP Stage III and up to Class XII under GRAP Stage IV. Additionally, a “mask advisory” has been issued for Stage IV, urging people to wear masks when going outside during times of hazardous air quality. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to dense fog in Delhi-NCR in the coming days, which could make the pollution situation even worse.
Delhi Police Takes Action Against Firecracker Sales
Delhi Police has directed social media and e-commerce platforms to stop selling and delivering firecrackers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) to help reduce air pollution levels.
On another note, toxic foam has been spotted on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage. There have also been reports of fog covering the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, where the air quality is considered ‘moderate’.
The Air Quality Index indicates the level of pollution in the air. It is classified as “poor” between 200 and 300, “very poor” between 301 and 400, “severe” between 401 and 450, and anything above 450 is considered “severe plus.”
With inputs from agencies