Delhi's air quality remains critical; GRAP Stage IV implemented

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that Delhi's air quality index has increased by over 200 points since October 27.

The air quality situation in Delhi remains critical, with the city's overall air quality index (AQI) continuing to be in the 'critical' category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India. Pollution levels in the city have been in the ‘critical’ category for the past few days, with AQI levels in the ‘400’ range at several locations in and around Delhi.

On November 6 morning, the overall average AQI recorded was 471, according to SAFAR. This prompted the state government to announce a ‘work from home’ policy for 50 percent of government staff until further notice, as part of the final stage of the pollution control plan.

Follow out LIVE blog for all the latest updates on Delhi AQI

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that Delhi's air quality index has increased by over 200 points since October 27. The worst air quality was recorded on November 3, since the previous high of 471 was recorded on November 12, 2021. Although the air quality has been improving with relatively better wind speed, thick toxic haze continues to envelop the national capital on the sixth consecutive day.

Also Read | Capital punishment: No respite, Delhi pollution levels in 'severe plus ' category

The Environment Minister of Delhi, Gopal Rai, wrote a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging that only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles be allowed in Delhi-NCR due to the deteriorating air quality ahead of Diwali and the anticipation of further deterioration. The restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented. As per the guidelines set forth by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM), an eight-point action plan based on Stage IV of GRAP is now applicable throughout the NCR.

The plan includes measures such as halting the entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/providing essential services and all LNG/CNG/electric trucks) and prohibiting diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registered in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services. The NCR state government may choose to discontinue physical classes even for classes VI-IX and class XI and conduct online classes instead.