Delhi Air Quality Index Hits Hazardous 451 Ahead of Diwali
As Diwali approaches, Delhi's air quality worsens, reaching an alarming AQI of 451, prompting immediate action under GRAP-II.
Delhi's AQI reached 451, categorizing it as 'hazardous'.
Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan has been enforced across NCR.
Major pollution hotspots include Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, and Bawana.
On Tuesday morning, Delhi's air quality index soared to a hazardous level of 451, indicating a severe pollution crisis as the city prepares for Diwali celebrations. This alarming figure was recorded at 8 AM, underscoring the deteriorating environmental conditions in the national capital.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that numerous monitoring stations across Delhi recorded AQI levels in the severe category. Notably, Rohini had an AQI of 429, Punjabi Bagh followed closely at 424, and Bawana recorded 408, all classified as severely polluted areas. Other regions also reported concerning levels, with Patparganj at 379 and R K Puram at 374, among others.
In response to the escalating pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. This move was prompted by the rising AQI levels, leading to immediate restrictions on vehicle entry, particularly at the Ghazipur border, as part of broader enforcement measures.
The enhanced restrictions under GRAP-II require municipal and traffic authorities across Delhi and neighboring states to intensify their pollution control efforts. This includes daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major traffic routes to mitigate dust and pollution. Inspections at identified pollution hotspots and construction sites will also be ramped up to address the sources of air quality degradation.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and minimize outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours. The ongoing measures aim to improve air quality ahead of the festive season, with further assessments expected in the coming days to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies.
