New Delhi, Nov 20: Delhi faced yet another day of hazardous air quality on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 426 in the “severe” category, following the coldest night of the season so far.
The minimum temperature plunged to 11.1°C on Tuesday night, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dense fog coupled with the temperature drop blanketed the city, reducing visibility to 500 meters as of 8:30 am. The IMD predicts that the dense fog is likely to persist throughout the day. Morning humidity levels were recorded at 84%, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 25°C.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 426 at 9 am, indicating severe pollution levels that pose health risks to healthy individuals and are particularly hazardous for those with pre-existing conditions. Among the 38 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, all but one were in the “severe” category. The Lodhi Road station, however, reported “very poor” air quality.
Delhi’s air quality had first breached the “severe plus” category on Sunday, prompting authorities to activate Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday morning. These emergency steps include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities and the suspension of physical classes in schools.
Additional restrictions were imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including a prohibition on four-wheeler diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) in Delhi and its surrounding NCR districts, except for BS-VI compliant vehicles and those engaged in essential or emergency services. Diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles have also been barred from entering Delhi, except those transporting essential goods. Only electric and CNG trucks are permitted, with exceptions made for essential services.
Implemented since 2017, GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages of severity: Stage 1 – “poor” (AQI 201-300), Stage 2 – “very poor” (AQI 301-400), Stage 3 – “severe” (AQI 401-450), and Stage 4 – “severe plus” (AQI above 450).
As the capital struggles with plummeting temperatures and persistent pollution, public health remains a pressing concern.
