Delhi air quality remains very poor as GRAP Stage-II is enforced
The Commission for Air Quality Management has imposed Stage 2 restrictions after the city's air quality index reached the very poor category.
Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 389 for the entire city, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Commission for Air Quality Management has imposed Stage 2 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
Several areas in the capital recorded severe air quality levels. Alipur recorded an AQI of 427, while IIT Delhi and Rohini both recorded 474. Other areas in the severe category included Punjabi Bagh at 465, RK Puram at 443, ITO at 422, Firoz Shah Road at 420, and India Gate at 403, according to CPCB data.
Under GRAP Stage-II, municipal authorities are deploying truck-mounted water sprinklers for sprinkling operations. The stage also involves a ban on using coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels and restaurants, and a ban on diesel generator sets except for essential services. It includes mechanical road sweeping and intensified inspections at construction sites.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa contested claims made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding paddy harvesting. Sirsa alleged that Mann misinformed the public about stubble burning, claiming that 77 per cent of the stubble has already been burnt according to Punjab government data.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a morning temperature of 17.8°C for Delhi with mainly clear skies. The IMD has forecast shallow fog over the next four days, which is expected to transition to early morning fog or mist on November 10–11.