Delhi air quality enters very poor category for first time this season
The city recorded an AQI of 312 on Monday morning as pollution levels rose sharply.
Delhi's air quality reached the 'very poor' category for the first time this season on Monday, according to reports from The New Indian Express and Business Today. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 312 at 9 am, marking a significant increase from the 'moderate' average of 117 seen on Saturday.
While the city-wide average was reported at 261 by 4 pm, several specific areas recorded much higher pollution levels. Station-level data showed Jahangirpuri at an AQI of 420, Alipur at 382, Bawana at 365, and Dwarka Sector 8 at 357. Other areas in the 'very poor' bracket included ITO at 351 and Ashok Vihar at 327.
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage II measures are applicable when the AQI enters the 'very poor' range. The Commission for Air Quality Management decides on these measures based on air quality and weather forecasts. Authorities have already turned back 1,539 non-BS6 vehicles at Delhi borders and imposed fines exceeding Rs 68 lakh on the first day of curbs.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 16.4 degrees Celsius at the Safdarjung weather station. No rainfall was recorded at five weather stations in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the 'poor' category for the next two days.