NEW DELHI: A thick blanket of smog and fog continued to envelop Delhi on Friday, keeping the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Severe category, which poses significant health risks and disrupts daily life. The deteriorating air quality is also causing hazardous driving conditions.
In response, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on all construction activities and restrictions on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), effective from 8:00 AM Friday.
To safeguard children’s health, the Delhi government has ordered the suspension of in-person classes for primary school students. Online lessons will continue until further notice.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has issued a warning that the AQI is expected to remain in the very poor range until November 17, with the pattern likely to persist for at least another week.
In light of the ongoing poor air quality, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised airlines to prepare for low-visibility conditions, ensuring that aircraft and pilots are equipped for Category II/III landings, particularly at Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Amritsar airports.
