Delhi air emergency: AQI crosses 400 across hotspots as CAQM enforces GRAP-3 restrictions ahead of Diwali

Delhi NCR AQI: The pollution levels in Delhi-NCR rose to dangerous levels ahead of Diwali, leading to an AQI reading of above 400 in many monitoring stations, despite the implementation of emergency measures to tackle it. In light of the worsening air quality, the CAQM committee activated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) in the region right away.

As per the early hour reports from CPCB, the air quality was poisonous, with heavy smog covering a large part of the city. The highest AQI of 442 was recorded at IIT Delhi, while Punjabi Bagh came second with 433.

The areas which faced the most severe AQI levels are Rohini (418), RK Puram (417), Sonia Vihar (414), Najafgarh (413), Bawana (411), Dwarka (411), Narela (409), Patparganj (403), and Alipur (402).

Chandni Chowk and Mandir Marg recorded an AQI of 397, JNU 393, Burari 392, Ayanagar 383, Mathura Road 382, and IGI Airport 340.

The lowest pollution levels recorded were Lodhi Road (278) and Anand Vihar (276).

Noida Sector-62 also recorded dangerous levels, entering the AQI of 415.

The air pollution levels in Delhi reached the average AQI of 382. According to the weather forecasts of IMD and IITM, it has been stated that calm winds and low temperatures will act as a barrier for the pollutants.

Under GRAP protocols, Stage 3 restrictions mandate strict bans on non-essential construction and demolition, heightened road sweeping, and tighter limitations on unapproved fuel usage alongside pre-existing Stage 1 and Stage 2 measures.

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