Lagatar24 Desk
NEW DELHI: Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed slight relief as air quality improved from ‘severe’ to the ‘very poor’ category on Thursday. However, dense smog continued to shroud the region, affecting visibility and delaying flights and trains.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 379, classified as ‘very poor,’ as of 8 am. Key pollution hotspots like Anand Vihar (405), Ashok Vihar (414), and Wazirpur (436) remained in the ‘severe’ category, while areas like Chandni Chowk (338) and IGI Airport Terminal 3 (370) registered ‘very poor’ levels.
Travel Disruptions Amid Pollution Crisis
Several flights were delayed, as reported by FlightRadar24, while trains across the region experienced delays or rescheduling due to the dense smog.
Stricter Measures Under GRAP Stage-IV
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), imposing strict restrictions, including a ban on truck entries into Delhi and halting public construction projects.
To address the pollution crisis:
•Work-from-Home Policy: The Delhi government announced that 50% of its staff will work from home, with similar directives for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
•School Closures: As per GRAP Stage III and IV guidelines, NCR states have been mandated to discontinue physical classes up to Class V and Class XII, respectively.
•Mask Advisory: A new advisory under GRAP urges residents to wear masks when stepping outdoors.
Environmental Hazards and Forecasts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of moderate to dense fog in the coming days, likely to worsen the pollution situation. Meanwhile, toxic foam continued to float on the Yamuna River in areas like Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage.
In Agra, visuals showed the iconic Taj Mahal shrouded in fog as the city recorded ‘moderate’ air quality.
Crackdown on Firecrackers
Delhi Police has directed e-commerce platforms to cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory to curb rising pollution levels.
