Delhi Air Pollution: A layer of haze engulfed the national capital as the overall air quality in the city was recorded in the "very poor" category on Thursday morning. The overall AQI was recorded at 386, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research. However, the air quality was recorded in the "severe category" in several areas despite different measures taken by the Delhi government to curb air pollution. As of 7 AM, AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 412, in Bawana 442, at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range 411, in Dwarka-Sector 8 416, at IGI Airport 401, and at ITO 412, as per CPCB data.
In view of the pollution, the Delhi government is likely to impose a complete ban on passenger buses except those running on CNG, electricity and BS-VI diesel from entering the national capital, as reported by news agency PTI. Restrictions under GRAP Stage IV are currently in place in Delhi amid plummeting air quality in the national capital.
Meanwhile, neighbouring cities Ghaziabad (358), Gurugram (325), Greater Noida (343), Noida (337), and Faridabad (409) also recorded very poor to severe air quality, as reported by news agency PTI.
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. The air quality in the national capital has deteriorated over the last few days despite the city government implementing strict measures, including a ban on construction work and the entry of diesel-guzzling trucks into the city, to curb pollution.
Earlier this week, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that the city government may implement the odd-even car rationing scheme if the AQI crosses the 400 mark. The scheme permits cars to operate on alternate days based on the odd or even last digit of their registration numbers. Last week, the government postponed the implementation of the scheme after a slight improvement in the city's air quality due to rain.