Delhi AQI Update: Pollution Levels Stay Hazardous
NEW DELHI: The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas showed slight improvement on Wednesday, but it still remained in the “severe” category. A thick blanket of smog continued to engulf parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR).
As of 4 PM on Wednesday, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 419, a slight decrease from 444 on Tuesday. The AQI had touched nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category earlier this week, marking one of the worst air quality readings since monitoring began in 2015. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Monday’s reading of nearly 500 was the second-worst recorded in Delhi’s history.
Key areas such as Anand Vihar (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), and Nehru Nagar (410) remained in the severe category as of Thursday morning, as reported by CPCB.
Visuals Show Smog-Filled Streets as Residents Continue Outdoor Activities
Despite the hazardous air quality, visuals from near India Gate and Kartavya Path showed people continuing their morning walks and jogs in a heavily smog-affected atmosphere.
CAQM Revises Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Guidelines for Delhi-NCR Schools
Mandatory School Closures in Delhi and NCR Districts
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under the updated guidelines, schools in Delhi, along with the NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, will now be required to close during Stages 3 and 4 of the plan.
Previously, decisions regarding school closures were left to the discretion of state governments. Under the revised GRAP, this decision has now been made mandatory for the affected areas.
Changes to Public Office Timings
In addition to school closures, the revised guidelines also mandate that the state governments in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies under Stage 3 of the GRAP. However, the decision on office timings for other NCR districts will remain at the discretion of local authorities.
Supreme Court Criticizes CAQM for Delays, Calls for Immediate Action
Court Orders Immediate Implementation of Stricter Measures
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court reprimanded the CAQM for delaying the enforcement of Stages 3 and 4 of the GRAP, stressing the urgent need for school closures across the NCR. The court ordered the CAQM to enforce stricter measures under these stages and ensure that implementation is no longer at the discretion of local authorities.
Ongoing Pollution Crisis in Delhi-NCR
The air quality in Delhi has remained in the severe category since Sunday, with AQI readings soaring above 450 on Monday and Tuesday. Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions, including wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities, as the pollution levels continue to pose significant health risks.
