New Delhi: Air pollution levels in the national capital worsened significantly on Monday, with parts of Delhi recording air quality in the ‘severe’ category, prompting authorities to enforce additional restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 333 in the early hours of the day, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. However, real-time data from the World Air Quality Index (AQICN) revealed that certain pockets of the city crossed into the ‘severe’ range, which is considered hazardous to health.
Anand Vihar reported one of the highest AQI readings at 464. Other areas including Rohini (403) and the vicinity of Satyawati College (432) also experienced similar toxic air levels. In contrast, localities such as Burari Crossing (266), ITO (287), and Major Dhyan Chand Stadium (276) remained slightly better but still within the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ range.
To address the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of GRAP across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) by Sunday evening. The decision followed a sharp uptick in pollution levels throughout the day, with AQI readings climbing from 296 at 4 PM to 302 by 7 PM.
Stage II of GRAP includes a set of precautionary and regulatory measures aimed at minimizing dust and vehicular emissions. These include mandatory water sprinkling and vacuum sweeping on key roads, especially before peak traffic hours. Construction sites will face stricter oversight to ensure compliance with dust control norms.
Public transportation is also being bolstered, with additional electric and CNG buses being deployed and metro services seeing increased frequency. Authorities are also encouraging off-peak travel by offering flexible fare structures.
In a move to prevent the burning of waste and biomass — a key contributor to winter pollution — Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been instructed to provide electric heaters to security and maintenance staff, thereby discouraging the use of open fires.
Inter-state buses entering Delhi are now limited to those powered by CNG, electric, or BS-VI compliant diesel engines. Tourist buses operating under national permits are currently exempt from this restriction.
Despite these interventions, experts warn that unless immediate behavioral and policy changes are implemented, the air quality could deteriorate further in the coming days — especially with Diwali festivities, colder weather, and stagnant winds reducing pollutant dispersion.
With Delhi once again under a toxic haze, health officials advise residents — particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions — to limit outdoor exposure and use air purifiers where possible.
