Delhi Air Pollution Worsens: AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Level Amid Dense Smog
Delhi’s air quality reached a critical level on Thursday morning, November 14, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting ‘severe’ levels, reducing visibility across the National Capital Region (NCR).
On Wednesday, Delhi recorded the worst AQI in the country, as dense smog engulfed the city, leading residents to wake up to hazardous pollution levels.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 466 at 10 am, classifying it as ‘severe plus.’ Areas such as Aya Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur also reported some of the city’s most toxic air, with AQI readings exceeding 400.
CPCB and CAQM Respond to Worsening Air Quality
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided against implementing Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for now. Stage 3 would involve suspending in-person classes for primary schools and enforcing a ban on construction activities to curb pollution.
Despite the deteriorating situation, Stage 2 of GRAP remains in effect, having been implemented on October 22. CPCB data on Wednesday revealed that Delhi’s AQI, which was 418 at 4 pm, escalated to 454 by 9 pm, breaching the “severe plus” threshold.
Potential Measures as Delhi’s Pollution Worsens
With the AQI in the ‘severe’ category, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. If the 24-hour average AQI surpasses the severe plus threshold consistently, Stage 4 of GRAP could be triggered, which may involve stricter measures to protect public health.
