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 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.
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.
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.