Delhi air quality hits very poor category as winter curbs begin
The city's Air Quality Index rose to 307 on Monday as new pollution-control measures and vehicle restrictions took effect.
Delhi's air pollution intensified on Monday, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 307 at 7 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The reading placed the capital in the 'very poor' category. Widespread deterioration was noted across the city, with 53 of 58 monitoring stations reporting AQI levels above 200.
Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 417, falling into the 'severe' category. Other high readings included Punjabi Bagh at 398, Rohini at 397, and Alipur at 379. In neighbouring Noida, the AQI was 308, while Ghaziabad recorded 276 and Gurugram stood at 225, according to Business Standard.
The pollution spike coincides with the implementation of the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan on November 1. Under these rules, non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi, excluding electric and CNG models, face entry restrictions. Authorities are also enforcing a 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy, requiring a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate.
The plan includes several other measures, such as 50 per cent physical attendance for government and private offices and staggered office timings. Dust-generating construction and demolition activities are restricted from November 1 to January 31. Additionally, the Centre has scheduled a total halt of construction and demolition works across the NCR from November 5 to 20.
On the first day of the plan, enforcement teams checked nearly 15,000 vehicles and turned back 1,539 at border points, according to The Hawk. Total penalties and environmental compensation amounted to Rs 68.4 lakh.