Delhi Pollution: Thick Smog Engulfs Capital As Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Again

Delhi Pollution: The air quality was back in the 'severe' category in most parts of the national capital following a dip in temperature and slow wind speed.

A metro train runs on its track as vehicles ply on a road amid smog in Delhi

Source : PTI

Delhiites woke up on Friday to a thick layer of smog engulfing the national capital, with the air quality back in the 'severe' category in most parts, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Anand Vihar on Friday morning stood at 411. It was recorded at 432 in Alipur 432, 443 in Wazirpur and 422 in RK Puram.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi continues to be in 'Severe' category in some areas as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI in Anand Vihar at 411, in Alipur at 432, in Wazirpur at 443, in RK Puram at 422 pic.twitter.com/YeMS4YrCFs

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

The deterioration in AQI comes following a dip in temperature and slow wind speed at night. For most of the week, the average AQI had remained in the 'very poor' category due to favourable wind speed.

#WATCH | The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ''Severe' category in Delhi as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

(Visuals from Nehru Park and Vinay Marg, shot at 6.45am) pic.twitter.com/BGepLUjaI2

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

On Thursday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV curbs would be enforced again if air quality deteriorated further. Under GRAP IV, entry of trucks in Delhi and construction activities are banned. The restrictions, which were removed by the Centre last week, is put in force before the AQI surpasses the 450 mark.

Presently, GRAP III regulations are in force in Delhi, which bans plying of BS-lll petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.

#WATCH | The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the 'Severe' category in Delhi as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

(Drone visuals from Kalindi Kunj, shot at 08:15 am) pic.twitter.com/W36vixYZ2L

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023

A female cyclist, talking to news agency PTI, said the current smog in Delhi made breathing difficult. Another cyclist told PTI that air pollution was a recurring thing now. He said that the pollution levels had witnessed a decrease in the past few days, however, it was back to 'severe'category now.

VIDEO | Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain in 'severe' category in several areas of Delhi. Visuals from India Gate area.#DelhiAirPollution #delhiaqi #airqualityindex pic.twitter.com/dW8gEfQHfo

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 24, 2023