Delhi air pollution: AQI plunges to 'severe' category after temporary 'very poor'

NEW DELHI: Residents of Delhi faced heavy smog and poor visibility on Saturday morning as air quality plummeted back to the "severe" category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 420 at 8am.

Several areas within the city experienced hazardous pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 457, Ashok Vihar at 455, Chandni Chowk at 439, and RK Puram at 421, all falling under the "severe" category.


The dense smog also impacted visibility, causing delays in train schedules. The Shaabi (Kanpur to New Delhi) experienced a delay of 39 minutes, while the Jansardhan Express (Anand Vihar terminal to Danapur) faced a significant delay of 661 minutes. Other trains, including the Hazrat Nizamuddin Humsafar Express and Runicha Express, also experienced delays.

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This decline in air quality comes after a brief respite on November 22nd when the AQI was recorded at 371, categorized as "very poor."

The Delhi government is currently implementing stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the pollution crisis. This stage includes a ban on non-essential diesel vehicles (BS-IV and below) registered in Delhi.

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai inspected the Narela-Singhu border on November 22nd to monitor the implementation of GRAP stage IV.

Speaking to the media, he stated: "The AAP government is continuously working to mitigate the level of pollution in Delhi. Entry has been banned for those vehicles that cause pollution, as Grap 4 is implemented. Today, we have received several complaints that vehicles are being allowed to enter Delhi without proper checking; hence I am here to inspect the same."