Air quality in Delhi enters very poor category as several areas hit severe levels
The city's air quality index rose to 379 on Wednesday morning, with multiple localities recording severe pollution levels.
Air quality in Delhi reached the very poor category on Wednesday morning, 4 November, with several parts of the city recording severe pollution levels, according to reports by The Hindu, Business Today and Times of India.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 379 at 9:30 am on Wednesday. This follows a reading of 350 at 4 pm on Tuesday.
Multiple localities have crossed the severe threshold of 400. Areas including Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Alipur, Bawana, Dwarka, and ITO have witnessed severe air pollution, Business Today reported.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has attributed the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as north-westerly winds carrying pollutants toward the capital. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) noted that the share of stubble burning emissions was expected to rise to 15.5 per cent on Tuesday.
Authorities have enforced Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II). These measures include intensified vehicle checks at borders and restricting the entry of vehicles below BS-IV emission norms.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi suggests the overall air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category for three days.