Delhi-NCR's air turns hazardous, Noida AQI soars past 550, emergency measures activated

Delhi AQI

A dense, toxic shroud of smog descended upon Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, plunging air quality into the "severe" to "hazardous" category and triggering a suite of emergency restrictions aimed at mitigating a public health crisis.

Real-time data from AQI.in painted a grim picture of the deteriorating environment. Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered around 481, deep within the severe zone. The situation was markedly worse in neighbouring Noida, which recorded an alarming AQI of 557, a level deemed extremely hazardous.

Greater Noida was not far behind at 422. Particularly affected areas in north Delhi, such as Jahangirpuri and Bawana, saw levels spike to approximately 490.

The palpable smog severely reduced visibility across major arterial roads, disrupting morning traffic and forcing residents to contend with acrid air. In immediate response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the most stringent set of anti-pollution measures.

The restrictions include an immediate ban on all construction and demolition activities across the region. Entry for most trucks into the capital has been barred and a directive has been issued for offices to operate with only 50% in-person staff attendance. Government orders stipulate that while administrative secretaries and department heads must attend physically, overall staff presence is to be halved.

The education sector has also been swiftly impacted. Following an announcement from the Delhi Directorate of Education on Saturday, schools will now hold classes for students up to Class IX and Class XI in a hybrid mode, blending online and in-person teaching. Only students in Classes 10 and 12 are exempt from this shift and will continue with physical classes.

Concurrent with the activity curbs, authorities have issued urgent health advisories. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and pregnant women, have been strongly urged to remain indoors. All residents have been advised to limit outdoor exposure, with warnings that the current pollution levels could trigger serious respiratory ailments.