Delhi-NCR enters GRAP Stage II as air quality worsens
The Commission for Air Quality Management has enforced tighter restrictions after the capital's average air quality index reached 324 on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR following a sharp decline in air quality. According to reports from Urban Acres and The Tribune, Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 324 on Monday, up from 261 on November 1 and 117 on October 31.
On Tuesday, the AQI in Jahangirpuri reached 451, placing it in the severe category. Other areas recording severe levels included Rohini at 431, Punjabi Bagh at 424, Alipur at 415, Vivek Vihar at 411, Bawana and Delhi Technological University at 409, and Narela at 408. More than 20 other locations recorded AQI levels between 300 and 400.
The CAQM stated that unfavourable weather conditions contributed to the deterioration. Under the new Stage II measures, state government and municipal offices in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar have been directed to stagger their working hours. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also announced 20 additional weekday train trips starting Tuesday to encourage public transport use.
Authorities will increase road cleaning through mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on major routes. Dust-control efforts will be intensified at construction sites and pollution hotspots, which will face more frequent inspections. Residents have been advised to avoid burning waste or wood and to use buses or the Metro instead of private cars.
The pollution is also affecting the Yamuna river, where toxic foam was reported near Kalindi Kunj. Chemicals are being sprayed in the water to manage the foam ahead of the Chhath festival. Pollution levels are expected to remain in the very poor category in the coming days.