Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched an alarming 410 at 6 a.m. on Monday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI level, classified as ‘severe,’ reflects the ongoing environmental crisis in the national capital.
Adding to the woes, a blanket of fog engulfed the city, reducing visibility significantly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD)reported a minimum temperature of 9.2 degrees Celsius at 5:30 a.m., with the possibility of light rain later in the day, offering a glimmer of hope for temporary relief from pollution.
Alarming AQI Levels in Several Areas
Several locations in Delhi recorded dangerously high AQI levels:
•Wazirpur: 464
•Ashok Vihar: 460
•Mundka: 446
•Burari Crossing: 445
•Anand Vihar: 443
Areas like Dwarka-Sector 8 (393) and Najafgarh (372) also reported poor air quality, hovering close to the ‘severe’ threshold.
On Sunday, PM2.5 levels, the most harmful particulate matter, were critically high. 37 out of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi registered air quality in the ‘severe plus’ category, posing severe health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.
GRAP Stage IV Enforced
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, activated across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16, remains in effect. These measures include a ban on construction activities and stricter vehicle emissions checks. However, their immediate impact on pollution levels has been minimal.
The Supreme Court recently directed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to implement firecracker bans similar to Delhi’s and urged stricter adherence to GRAP measures and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Monitoring teams have also been deployed at Delhi’s entry points to ensure compliance.
Health Concerns Rise
Residents are reporting increased health problems due to the worsening air quality, including respiratory issues and eye irritation. The PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, remain a critical concern for public health.
The combination of thick fog, toxic air, and plummeting temperatures has made daily life in Delhi challenging. Residents are calling for stronger, more effective measures to address the city’s persistent pollution crisis.
