New Delhi — The air quality in the national capital region of Delhi continues to deteriorate, remaining firmly in the ‘severe’ category as thick smog envelops the area. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi recorded a staggering 428 at around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, marking a significant increase from previous days. Of the 35 monitoring stations across the city, most reported AQI levels exceeding 400, signaling alarming pollution levels. The CPCB categorizes AQI scores as follows: a score between 0-50 is deemed ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and anything above 400 is classified as ‘severe’. The current readings indicate a pressing health risk to all residents.
Specific areas of Delhi have recorded particularly high AQI levels, with Anand Vihar reaching 457, Ashok Vihar at 466, and Bawana soaring to 471. Neighboring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) are also facing severe pollution challenges, with Faridabad at 268, Gurugram at 287, Ghaziabad at 379, Greater Noida at 342, and Noida at 304. The sharp decline in air quality is largely attributed to several factors, including the use of firecrackers during recent festivities and ongoing stubble burning practices in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. As the pollution levels continued to climb, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took decisive action, implementing Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday.
Under GRAP-3, construction and demolition activities have been suspended, non-essential mining operations halted, and restrictions placed on non-electric, non-CNG, and non-BS-VI diesel interstate buses. Additionally, schools have been advised to close for students up to Class 5 in Delhi-NCR to safeguard young children from the harmful effects of poor air quality. The Haryana government has also empowered local deputy commissioners to close physical classes in schools for younger students, responding to the escalating pollution crisis. With air quality showing no signs of improvement, the residents of Delhi-NCR face an urgent need for action and awareness regarding pollution control measures. As the city grapples with this environmental challenge, public health and safety remain paramount.