Delhi's Air 'Severe' In Many Areas But AQI Improves To 'Very Poor' As Govt Enforces Curbs

The air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas continued to remain in 'severe' category with AQI at national capital recorded at 395.

Thick layer of smog continues to engulf Delhi

Source : PTI

The air quality in Delhi continues to remain "severe" with a thick layer of haze engulfing the national capital. Acccording to the data published by the Central Pollution Control Board on Tuesday at 7 am, the overall Air Quality Index in the national capital was recorded at 395 with several areas breaching the 400-mark. The AQI at Anand Vihar was 432, in RK Puram 437, Punjabi Bagh 439, and New Moti Bagh at 410. 

The situation in the adjoining areas also remained same as the national capital with Noida's AQI at 381, Gurugram 398, Faridabad 367. 

Apart from Delhi, other cities in north India too faced rise in pollution with AQI in Japiur at 247, Lucknow 242, Patna 289, Mumbai 178, and Pune 166.

In the wake of deteriorating air quality in the national capital, the Delhi government directed all the schools in the city to run classes in the online mode, except for Class 10 and 12 as Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan was imposed to combat air pollution. 

"In view of the implementation of Stage IV Graded Response Action Plan order issued by CAQM, it is ordered that all classes - except the Board Classes i.e. X & XII in all schools of Delhi shall be held online up to 10.11.2023," the official order read. 

On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired a high-level meeting to address the concerns regarding rising air pollution in the city and adjoining areas. 

Following the meeting, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that the government would impose the odd-even vehicle system for a period of one week starting November 13.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, in addition to all actions under Stage I, II, and III to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region.