Air quality in Delhi-NCR continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, slipping further into the “very poor” category at several locations. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that five monitoring stations in the national capital recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 300, signalling a sharp rise in pollution just a day after Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 211.
According to data cited, Anand Vihar reported the highest AQI at 345, followed by DU North Campus and CRRI Mathura Road (307 each), Dwarka Sector 8 (314), and Wazirpur (325). Out of the city’s 40 monitoring stations, data from 38 were available of these, 20 reported “poor” air quality, 13 “moderate,” and five “very poor.”
An AQI reading between 301 and 400 is classified as “very poor,” indicating that prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
In response to the worsening conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region on Tuesday. GRAP Stage 1 is triggered when AQI levels range between 200 and 300. It mandates 27 immediate measures to curb pollution, including the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and dust suppression at construction and road maintenance sites.
The CAQM sub-committee reviewed the air quality data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) before enforcing the plan. “The AQI of Delhi was recorded at 211 (‘poor’ category) on October 14. Forecasts indicate that air quality will remain in the ‘poor’ range in the coming days,” the committee said in its order.
With the onset of cooler weather and slower wind speeds, experts warn that pollution levels could worsen in the coming weeks as emissions from vehicles, construction dust, and stubble burning begin to accumulate in the region’s air.