Delhi-NCR Breathes Hazardous Air As Very Poor Air Quality Persists; GRAP 3 Continues

Air pollution continued to trouble the national capital on Saturday morning (17th Jan), with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) staying firmly in the "very poor" category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) SAMEER app, the AQI was recorded at 364 at around 5:05 am.

This showed little improvement from Friday, when the AQI stood at 356.
Most parts of the city reported unhealthy air, making breathing difficult, especially for children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.

Several Areas Record Severe Pollution Levels

Many locations across Delhi slipped into the "severe" air quality category, indicating extremely harmful conditions. Anand Vihar reported one of the worst readings, with an AQI of 437. Patparganj followed closely at 429, while Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 426.

Other areas such as Nehru Nagar and Vivek Vihar also remained in the severe zone, showing how widespread the pollution problem has become.

Several parts of the city continued to report "very poor" air quality. Jahangirpuri, Dwarka Sector-8 and ITO recorded AQI levels above 400, while Mundka, Pusa, Wazirpur and Sonia Vihar also reported dangerously high pollution levels. A few locations, including CRRI Mathura Road, IGI Airport (Terminal 3) and Najafgarh, recorded AQI readings in the "poor" category, though conditions there were still unhealthy.

What AQI Levels Mean

As per CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, while 51 to 100 is satisfactory. Levels between 101 and 200 fall under moderate air quality. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, and anything above 400 is considered severe and dangerous to health.

GRAP Stage III Measures Enforced

With pollution levels rising sharply across Delhi-NCR, authorities have stepped up action. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday enforced Stage III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after Delhi's AQI crossed 350.

Under Stage III, stricter controls are put in place to prevent further deterioration of air quality. These measures apply across the entire Delhi-NCR and are added to the restrictions already enforced under Stages I and II.

A detailed nine-point action plan under Stage III has been activated, with various agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcement. Pollution Control Boards in the NCR and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
Health Advisory for Residents

Authorities have urged people to limit outdoor activities, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Residents are advised to wear masks, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors and follow health guidelines until air quality improves.

With no immediate relief in sight, Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air, making pollution control a pressing concern for both authorities and residents.