According to CAQM, Delhi’s air quality worsens and AQI crosses 400
New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi has become worse, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), with levels once again above 400 and slipping into the “severe” category.
The air quality index (AQI) for Delhi was 421 at 7 AM on Tuesday. Hazardous air quality was indicated by AQI values ranging from 400 to 470 in places including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur.
In the meanwhile, the area air quality was categorized as “Very Poor” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Delhi’s lowest recorded temperature was 5 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
“Pollution has become an incurable disease, especially for Delhi,” said local resident Bhagat Singh. This is an annual issue. Many people used to stroll here in the morning, but many have since stopped because of the pollution. To tackle this problem, the government must have the willingness.
Another local said, “It was around 7 degrees Celsius, and there were no cars to be seen on the road due to the fog.” But as soon as the fog lifted, we were able to make out the automobiles.
The National Capital Region (NCR) saw the implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday night with “immediate effect” by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sub-Committee in response to deteriorating air quality.
Following Delhi’s AQI surpassing 400, this decision was made. At 9 p.m. on Monday, the AQI was recorded at 399, and by 10 p.m., it had gone into the severe zone at 401.
When the AQI exceeded 350 due to “highly unfavorable meteorological conditions” and “other factors affecting the dispersion of pollutants,” GRAP-III restrictions were previously reinstated across the NCR.
As to the Subcommittee on GRAP, “The air quality parameters further worsened owing to a drastic reduction in the mixing layer height and continued absolute calm-wind conditions over Delhi.”
“The Sub-Committee noted that the AQI level almost touched the 400 mark, i.e., 399 at 9 PM and was recorded as 401 at 10 PM, breaching the 400 mark,” said the statement.
The committee teams are closely monitoring Delhi’s air quality situation.
