The air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the "very poor" category on Sunday, with AQI recorded at 398, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. On Saturday, the Centre eased stringent curbs including a ban on construction work related to linear projects and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi, after an increase in the wind speed and a change in the wind direction resulted in a slight improvement of the air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) decided to revoke the restrictions prescribed under Stage-IV of the Centre's Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, under which only CNG, electric and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter the national capital, with exemptions granted to those involved in essential services.
All medium and heavy goods vehicle who are not engaged in essential services were also banned from entering Delhi under GRAP-IV.
However, the GRAP curbs under stage I, II, and III will continue, said the pollution control body, which includes restriction on on non-essential construction work, mining, stone crushers and diesel generators.
The 24-hour average AQI of Delhi recorded at 4 pm every day, improved from 405 on Friday to 319 on Saturday. The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 419 on Thursday, 401 on Wednesday, 397 on Tuesday, 358 on Monday, 218 on Sunday, 220 on Saturday and 279 on Friday.
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In view of improving air quality Directorate of Education said that all the schools in Delhi will reopen for physical classes from Monday, November 20, adding that outdoor sports activities and morning assemblies will not be held for next one week.
A winter vacation was declared in the city from November 9 to 18 due to deteriorating air quality.