Mundka air quality at 919: Delhi-NCR chokes due to 'severe-plus' AQI, GRAP-4 measures imposed; 'orange' alert for fog

NEW DELHI: People in Delhi and NCR continued to suffer from severe air pollution on Monday morning with the air qualtiy index (AQI) overing over 500 in many areas making it in 'severe-plus' category.

The AQI recorded at 7 AM in the national capital was 483, with notable readings of 919 in Mundka, 762 in ITI Jahangirpuri, and 624 in Anand Vihar.


According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a "severe" AQI poses risks to healthy individuals and severely impacts those with pre-existing health conditions.

Due to low visibility at Delhi Airport, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information.

IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory, stating: "Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey. Safe travels!"

GRAP IV measures imposed

In a statement, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday announced, "Considering the current trend of deteriorating air quality in the NCR and to prevent further worsening, the sub-committee has decided to implement all measures under Stage IV of GRAP — 'Severe Plus' Air Quality (Delhi's AQI > 450), effective from 8am on 18.11.2024, across the entire NCR."

This move adds to the preventive and restrictive measures already enforced under Stages I, II, and III of GRAP.

Fog grips Delhi-NCR
Delhi experienced a cooler Sunday as the mercury dipped to 27.2 degrees Celsius -- the lowest daytime temperature of the season. The weather department has issued an 'orange' alert amid forecast of moderate to dense fog for Monday.

"Dense to very dense fog is likely over Delhi-NCR during the morning hours of Monday," the India Meteorological Department said.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 27 and 17 degrees Celsius, it said.


(With agency inputs)