Delhi air quality hits very poor category as GRAP-2 measures begin
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan after the AQI reached 324 on Monday.
Delhi's air quality entered the 'very poor' category for the first time this season on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 324 by 4 pm, according to a Times of India report. This marks the highest pollution level recorded in nine months.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region. The CAQM stated that the sharp rise in pollution was caused by unfavourable meteorological conditions.
Monitoring stations in Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Punjabi Bagh reported 'severe' pollution levels at 4 pm. Of the city's 58 monitoring stations, 37 recorded 'very poor' air quality, while 17 were in the 'poor' category.
The transport sector contributed 19.2 per cent to the city's pollution on Monday, according to the Decision Support System for Delhi. Other contributors included stubble burning at 8.4 per cent and residential activities at 4.9 per cent.
Intensified border checks have caused significant traffic congestion at several interstate entry points, including the Delhi-Gurgaon and Delhi-Noida borders. Authorities are turning back vehicles registered outside Delhi that fail to meet BS-VI emission standards.
The Delhi high court on Monday refused to stay the restrictions on non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not comply with BS-VI standards. The court has listed a petition challenging these measures for a hearing on November 27.