Delhi air quality dips into poor category ahead of Diwali
The city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261 on Sunday as anti-pollution curbs came into effect.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) fell into the poor category on Sunday, erasing the respite provided by rains last week, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The city recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 261, a significant increase from the 117 recorded a day earlier.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the AQI continued to deteriorate throughout the day, reaching 290 by 11pm. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) forecast that the situation may worsen to the very poor category by Wednesday.
In response, the Delhi winter pollution action plan came into effect on Sunday. The plan bars non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI emission standards and bans outdoor civil construction and dust-generating demolition activities.
The measures also mandate 50 per cent attendance in offices, with the remaining staff working from home. According to Urban Acres, a preventive order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will limit physical attendance in government and private offices in Delhi and five adjoining districts to 50 per cent until November 20.
Data from the Decision Support System showed that stubble burning's contribution to Delhi's air pollution rose to 18.57 per cent on Sunday, up from 5.33 per cent on Saturday. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst AQI at 378 at 4pm.