Delhi’s air has slipped into the severe category, with the average air quality index (AQI) crossing 400 and several monitoring stations recording far worse readings as a thick haze hangs over the national capital.
The city-wide average AQI stood at 403, with 33 of 58 monitoring stations recording 400 or higher. IIT Delhi topped the chart at 485, followed by Delhi University’s North Campus at 477, Chandni Chowk at 476, Pusa at 467 and Jawaharlal Nehru University at 449. The previous day’s average had been 350.
Fine particulate matter drove the deterioration. The concentration of PM2.5 more than doubled within 24 hours to 244 micrograms per cubic metre, about four times the national standard. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology estimated that firecrackers contributed only about 7 per cent of Delhi’s PM2.5, with transport and secondary aerosols accounting for much of the rest.
GRAP Stage III curbs in force
The Commission for Air Quality Management had already invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan ahead of Diwali as a precautionary measure. Stage III triggers curbs on non-essential construction, traffic restrictions and hybrid classes for lower grades when ordered.
Under the Central Pollution Control Board’s classification, an AQI between 301 and 400 is very poor, while 401 to 500 is severe. The capital last recorded severe air quality in January, when the AQI reached 410.
No quick relief in sight
The pollution board’s outlook offered little comfort, with forecasts showing severe conditions persisting for at least the next three days. The weather office has warned of moderate to shallow fog, which can cut visibility for early commuters, while the Delhi government has deployed water sprinklers across the city to settle dust.
The capital has faced severe air repeatedly in recent weeks. Delhi’s air had turned severe with the AQI hitting 483, and the Supreme Court flagged vehicles as a leading source of the pollution. Rain had briefly brought relief as the AQI improved, but the respite proved short-lived.
#DelhiAirPollution #AQI #Delhi #GRAP #AirQuality #DelhiNCR
