After GRAP IV Measures, Delhi AQI Improves To 'Very Poor'; But Pollution Concerns Remain

Delhi's air quality improved slightly to 'very poor' from 'severe', with an AQI of 379. However, several stations maintained 'severe' levels, including Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur.

The air quality in Delhi showed a slight improvement on Thursday from the 'severe' to the 'very poor' category. The city recorded an Air Quality Index of 379 on Thursday as compared to 424 the previous day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. 

However, several stations continued to report 'severe' pollution levels. These stations include Alipur (408), Anand V (405), Ashok V (414), Bawana (418), Burari Crossing (418), Dwarka Sector 8 (401), Jahangirpuri (435), Mundka (413), Nehru N (411), Punjab Bagh (407), Rohini (407), Shadipur (412), Wazirpur (436). 

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", 401 and 450 "severe" and above 450 "severe-plus". 

A layer of smog shrouded the national capital amid worsened air quality. 

On Wednesday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stage 3 and 4 of the plan. 

An additional directive under Stage 3 of the GRAP also mandated the state government to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the aforementioned NCR districts.

Previously under GRAP-III, the state governments had the option to make decisions over halting physical classes for students up to Class 5 and transitioning to online learning.

Similarly, under Stage 4, they had the option to discontinue in-person classes for the students in classes 6 to 9 and 11.

However, the revised decision on the implementation of GRAP-IV mandates Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar to take these measures with NCR districts having the flexibility to decide.