Delhi air quality enters severe category with AQI at 483
The national capital recorded high pollution levels on Sunday morning as several areas reported an Air Quality Index above 400.
Delhi's air quality worsened on Sunday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 483 at 8:10 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. This marks a decline from Saturday morning, when the city's AQI was 364, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
According to BusinessLine, multiple areas in the capital recorded 'severe' pollution levels. Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 449, followed by RK Puram at 448, and Bawana at 446. IIT Delhi and Rohini both recorded 445, while Patparganj, Chandni Chowk, and Alipur also fell into the 'severe' category.
Other areas like Narela, Anand Vihar, and the vicinity of India Gate recorded 'very poor' air quality. Residents also faced a thick layer of haze and low visibility as winter began to set in.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had previously invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday. This emergency framework applies to Delhi and adjoining districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Under Stage III, non-essential construction activities are suspended and certain vehicle restrictions are in place. These measures include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The CAQM manages the GRAP in coordination with the CPCB and regional state governments to curb emissions and dust pollution.