National capital Delhi woke up to thick smog on Saturday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital hit 386 at 8 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Visibility was severely reduced, with landmarks like the India Gate barely visible amid the haze.
Notably, the capital city recorded similarly alarming pollution levels on Friday, with an AQI of 397.
CPCB data showed multiple areas crossing the 'very poor' and 'severe' thresholds, including Ashok Vihar (415), Bawana (441), Chandni Chowk (419), Dwarka Sector-8 (393), ITO (418), Mundka (426), Rohini (423), Siri Fort (495), and Wazirpur (447). Other locations across Delhi also reported AQI readings ranging between 365 and 418, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.
In view of the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region to curb emissions.
Measures under GRAP-III include bans on most non-essential construction, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, suspension of in-person classes for students up to Class 5, curbs on industrial operations using non-clean fuel, and a prohibition on non-emergency diesel generators.
In addition, the Supreme Court has also intervened, directing the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit a status report on efforts to control stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality.
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