Delhi air quality reaches very poor levels as AQI hits 379
Several localities in the national capital have crossed the severe threshold as smog thickens across the region.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) rose to 379 at 9:30 am on Wednesday, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported by Business Today. This increase follows a rise from 331 recorded a day earlier, placing the city in the very poor category.
Multiple areas in the capital have already entered the severe category, where the AQI exceeds 400. Jahangirpuri, Alipur, Bawana, DTU, Mundka, North Campus, Punjabi Bagh, and Vivek Vihar have all recorded readings above the 400 mark.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has linked the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as north-westerly winds carrying pollutants. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) noted that the share of stubble burning emissions in the air was expected to rise to 22 per cent by November 5.
Authorities have implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II). This includes intensified vehicle checks at borders, including inspections of pollution-under-control certificates and restrictions on vehicles below BS-IV emission norms.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM suggest that air quality may remain in the very poor or severe range for the coming days. Officials are monitoring the situation and may introduce more stringent GRAP measures if the pollution levels worsen.