Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates: AQI Remains In ‘Severe’ Category Amid Smog

The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi and its neighbouring areas remained in the 'severe' category on Sunday, 17 November, with smoggy conditions prevailing. Colder winds also brought temperatures down in the region.

According to the Sameer app, which provides hourly updates on the National Air Quality Index from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall AQI stood at 428, indicating 'severe' pollution, at 7 am on Sunday.

Photo Credit: PTI

Out of 35 monitoring stations, most reported AQI levels above 400, confirming 'severe' air quality conditions. Bawana recorded the highest AQI at 471, followed by Jahangirpuri, Ashok Vihar, Mundka, Vivek Vihar, Rohini, and Anand Vihar, all exceeding 450.

As per CPCB classifications, AQI levels are graded from "good" (0-50) to "severe plus" (above 450). 'Severe' pollution (401-450) poses serious health risks to the general population.

Causes of Deteriorating Air Quality

The worsening air quality in Delhi, a trend seen since late October, has been attributed to various factors, including firecracker usage and stubble burning in nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

The Centre's Decision Support System for Air Quality Management identified vehicular emissions and stubble burning as the main contributors. On Thursday, satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recorded five farm fires in Punjab, 11 in Haryana, and 202 in Uttar Pradesh.

Haryana Permits School Closures

In response to escalating pollution, the Haryana government has authorised deputy commissioners to temporarily close physical classes up to Class 5 in schools.

"Letters have been written to all the district deputy commissioners on behalf of the directorate of school education in this regard," the Haryana Department of Public Relations announced on X.

The directive prioritises children's health, stating: "The concerned deputy commissioners shall assess the prevailing situation (as per the GRAP) and may discontinue physical classes, issuing necessary directions for online classes for up to Class 5 in both government and private schools."

The letter also advised separate assessments for rural and urban areas.

GRAP Stage III Enforcement

Under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stricter measures came into effect on Friday. Authorities intensified checks, with traffic police and transport departments penalising violators.

Delhi Traffic Police issued around 550 challans on Friday for breaching bans on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, collecting over Rs 1 crore in fines. Inter-state buses, except for BS VI diesel vehicles, are also prohibited from entering Delhi. Violators face penalties of Rs 20,000.

Additionally, 4,855 fines, totalling Rs 4.85 crore, were issued to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Failure to carry a valid PUCC attracts a Rs 10,000 fine, with challans processed through courts.

(With PTI inputs)