Despite GRAP-III Restrictions, Delhi AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category; Wazirpur Crosses 450 Mark

Delhi experienced dense smog on Saturday morning, with the air quality index (AQI) exceeding 400 in several areas, categorised as ‘Severe’. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board indicated that at 10 am, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 389.

On November 14, the AQI was 387 at 4 pm.

Areas such as Wazirpur, Bawana, Rohini, Anand Vihar, Mundka, and Jahangirpuri reported AQI levels above 400, with Wazirpur peaking at 450.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region.

Earlier this week, the Directorate of Education instructed all schools in Delhi NCR to switch to hybrid mode for students up to class 5.

Meanwhile,

the Supreme Court has ordered the governments of Punjab and Haryana to submit a status report on measures taken to reduce stubble burning, a significant contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.

According to the Decision Support System (DSS), stubble burning contributed 8.5 per cent to Delhi’s pollution on Friday, while transport emissions made up 19.8 per cent, the highest among all sources.

The combination of high pollution levels and adverse meteorological conditions has led to the deterioration of air quality in the city. Consistently slow winds and low temperatures have exacerbated the issue.

An EWS bulletin released on Friday predicted mainly clear skies with smog or shallow fog in the morning hours. It also mentioned that wind speeds would decrease to below 5 kmph during the evening and night on November 15.

The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI above 400 as ‘severe’, 301-400 as ‘very poor’, 201-300 as ‘poor’, 101-200 as ‘moderate’, and 51-100 as ‘satisfactory’.