Delhi AQI hits 451 as GRAP-II curbs enforced across NCR
The national capital's air quality reached the hazardous category on Tuesday morning ahead of Diwali.
Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 451 at 8 am on Tuesday, according to reports from the Times of India and Economic Times. This level places the city's air quality in the hazardous category as pollution levels worsen ahead of Diwali.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. These new restrictions, which took immediate effect, add to the measures already active under Stage-I.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed several areas in the severe category. Rohini recorded the highest AQI at 429, followed by Punjabi Bagh at 424 and Bawana at 408. Other areas like Patparganj, R K Puram, and ITO also reported very poor air quality.
In response to the rising pollution, Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks at the Ghazipur border. Authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been instructed to increase enforcement of the new rules.
The action plan includes daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling with dust suppressants on busy roads, ideally before peak traffic hours. Officials will also intensify inspections at construction and demolition sites and identified pollution hotspots across the NCR.