Delhi-NCR Chokes: Air Quality plunges to ‘Severe-Plus’ level, AQI hits 490

New Delhi: The air quality in the Delhi-NCR region has deteriorated further, breaching the severe-plus level with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 490 as of 11 AM today.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI at Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh station was recorded at 497, Bawana at 495, Wazirpur at 494, Anand Vihar at 492, and Shadipur at 479.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi and NCR are likely to experience smog and shallow fog during the night and morning hours over the next two days.

In view of deteriorating quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to impose the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 4 in Delhi-NCR from 8 this morning. The move comes after Air Quality in the region deteriorated to the severe category.

Under the GRAP-4, entry of heavy vehicles from other states will be banned in Delhi. However, trucks carrying essential commodities and providing essential services will be allowed. All CNG, Electric and BS-VI Diesel trucks will also be permitted to enter Delhi.

Delhi Government has decided to discontinue physical classes for all students excluding Class 10 and 12. In a social media post, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi informed that all schools will conduct online classes, until further orders.

GRAP Stage 4: What is banned in Delhi?

Under GRAP Stage 4, strict restrictions are set to curb emissions:

Diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi (BS-IV or below) are banned, except those carrying essential goods.

Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they use cleaner fuels like CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric vehicles.

Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred from entering Delhi unless they operate on LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.

Schools and workplaces face adjustments as well. The CAQM panel recommended shifting classes 6 to 9 and class 11 to online mode.

Offices in NCR are advised to operate at 50 per cent capacity, with the remaining workforce working from home.

According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature across most places in northwest India is likely to fall by 2-3°C during the next five days.

A significant change in weather patterns is expected across various parts of India in the coming days, with a marked drop in temperatures and persistent foggy conditions over the northwest region.