Delhi Chokes As Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor'; Smog Blankets The City

Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering a concerning 385 by 8:00 a.m., according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A dense layer of smog enveloped prominent areas such as Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and the Akshardham Temple, further exacerbating the already poor visibility across the capital, as reported by ANI.

Delhi Chokes As Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor

In the Ghazipur area, the air quality continued to worsen, and residents reported breathing difficulties due to the thick smog. The CPCB has classified the situation as 'very poor,' urging caution, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Authorities warn that pollution levels could remain elevated if unfavorable weather persists.

A visitor at Kartavya Path, Saif, commented on the challenges residents face during this time of year. "Everyone struggles with breathing during October, November, and December. The government is taking the right steps to curb pollution, but if actions aren't taken swiftly, the situation could become dire."

On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) initiated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, following the city's AQI slipping into the 'very poor' zone. The daily average AQI was reported at 310, according to the CPCB's AQI Bulletin.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change highlighted the likelihood of Delhi's AQI remaining within the 'very poor' range (AQI 301-400) in the coming days, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM due to unfavorable weather and climatic conditions.

As part of Stage II of GRAP, an 11-point action plan has been enforced to curb further deterioration. Measures include mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on key roads, stricter inspections at construction sites, and proper dust disposal practices. Authorities are also encouraging citizens to reduce vehicle usage, rely on public transport, and avoid activities that contribute to dust generation, such as open burning of solid waste.

With the air quality hovering around 300 throughout Monday, the CAQM continues to emphasize the need for collective action to prevent the situation from worsening further.