New Delhi: The capital woke up to choking air once again on Sunday as Delhi’s air quality nosedived into the ‘Severe’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 421 near AIIMS, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The rapid deterioration comes barely a day after the city’s average AQI stood at 245, categorised as ‘Poor’. In just 24 hours, pollution levels surged dramatically, enveloping the city under a dense haze and prompting fresh concern among residents and authorities alike.
CPCB’s latest data revealed that several areas across the city recorded AQI readings well above 400. Anand Vihar reported 298, Alipur 258, Ashok Vihar 404, Chandni Chowk 414, Dwarka Sector-8 407, ITO 312, Mandir Marg 367, Okhla Phase-2 382, Patparganj 378, Punjabi Bagh 403, RK Puram 421, Lodhi Road 364, Rohini 415, and Sirifort 403. Most of these figures place Delhi firmly in the ‘Severe’ or upper end of the ‘Very Poor’ range.
In response to the worsening situation, municipal authorities have intensified dust suppression drives, deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers and anti-smog guns across major intersections and construction zones.
To further curb emissions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed restrictions on the entry of older commercial vehicles. Starting November 1, all BS-III and lower-grade goods carriers not registered in Delhi have been barred from entering the city.
“BS-III vehicles are being turned away at entry points. Only goods vehicles are covered under this restriction; passenger vehicles are still allowed,” said Sub Inspector Dharmveer Kaushik of the Delhi Transport Enforcement Team.
The city has been struggling with persistently poor air quality since Diwali, with many areas hovering between the ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’ categories despite the implementation of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has moved to double parking fees across its jurisdiction in an effort to discourage the use of private vehicles. The measure, aligned with GRAP Stage II directives, applies to both on-street and indoor parking facilities managed by the NDMC.
Environmental experts warn that if current conditions persist, Delhi could face even graver air quality levels in the coming days, particularly as calm winds and dropping temperatures trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, wear N95 masks when stepping out, and use air purifiers indoors as the capital grapples once again with its annual pollution crisis.
