Delhi air quality index hits 482 as pollution worsens
The capital's air quality reached the hazardous category on Thursday morning with several monitoring stations recording severe levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached 482 at 8:01 am on Thursday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported by The News Mill. The city's air quality has moved into the hazardous, severe, and very poor categories as a thick layer of smog enshrouds the capital.
Seven monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest at 446, followed by Narela at 434, Rohini at 431, RK Puram at 416, Bawana at 412, North Campus of Delhi University at 408, and Patparganj at 405.
Other areas recorded very poor air quality, including Okhla Phase-2 and India Gate at 399 each, ITO at 397, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 396. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 293, while the India Meteorological Department’s Lodhi Road station reported 268.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday that the Centre's air quality panel is tracking wind speed, wind direction, and air movement. He noted that approximately 40 per cent of paddy stubble has been managed through ex-situ methods this time and assured that necessary steps are being taken based on meteorological assessments.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police in five Punjab districts: Barnala, Bathinda, Fazilka, Jalandhar, and Faridkot.