Delhi air quality worsens to very poor category on Monday
The national capital recorded an average Air Quality Index of 307 as the Winter Action Plan measures take effect.
The air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the very poor category on Monday, according to reports from Scroll and The Assam Tribune. As of 7:05 am, the national capital recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 307, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer application.
In northwestern Delhi, Jahangirpuri recorded the highest AQI at 417. Other areas with high pollution levels included Alipur at 382, Chandni Chowk at 361, and Sirifort at 354. In the surrounding region, Noida recorded a very poor AQI of 308, while Greater Noida and Ghaziabad were in the poor category at 267 and 276 respectively.
The worsening pollution comes as the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan measures took effect on Sunday. These curbs, which include restrictions on certain non-Delhi vehicles and construction activities, will remain in force until February 28.
Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated in a social media post that more than 1,500 vehicles were turned back on Sunday. He added that authorities checked 15,000 vehicles and collected Rs 68.4 lakh in penalties and environmental compensation.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has also directed state and private offices in Delhi and five adjoining regions to ensure 50 per cent of employees work from home between November 5 and November 20.