Bikaner records highest AQI in India as Delhi enforces GRAP Stage II
Bikaner in Rajasthan topped the list of the 10 most polluted cities on November 4 with an AQI of 1,357.
Bikaner in Rajasthan recorded the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) in India on the morning of November 4, according to a report by News18 citing Navbharat Times. The city's AQI reached 1,357 at 6:45 am, making it the most polluted city among the top 10 listed.
Bathinda in Punjab ranked second with an AQI of 883, followed by Karnal in Haryana at 850. Other cities with high pollution levels included Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh with 840, Sonipat in Haryana with 822, and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh with 812.
New Delhi was ranked 10th on the list with an AQI of 630. The national capital is currently under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as authorities implement measures to manage dust and vehicular emissions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II across Delhi-NCR on November 2 after the city's official AQI entered the 'Very Poor' category. The commission noted that Delhi's AQI rose from 117 on October 31 to 324 on November 2.
Under the GRAP Stage II framework, authorities are intensifying mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling. Measures also include stricter inspections at construction sites and increasing parking fees to encourage the use of public transport.
Additionally, Resident Welfare Associations have been requested to supply electricity and electric heaters to staff such as security guards and sanitation workers to prevent open burning.