India

Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog As AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels; Authorities Tighten Anti-Pollution Measures Ahead Of Diwali

A dense layer of smog blanketed Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday morning as the air quality index (AQI) persisted at “very poor” levels. The pollution crisis has been driven by slowing wind speeds, lower temperatures, high moisture, and persistent pollutants, with the AQI recorded at a “severe” 363 due to heightened PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Morning temperatures hovered around 25°C.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas like ITO recorded an AQI of 361, while Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri faced “severe” levels around 400. Nehru Place and nearby areas also saw thick smog, with the IGI Airport registering a “very poor” AQI of 320, the lowest in the city. The AQI ranges from “good” (0-50) to “severe” (401-500).

Also Read: Congress Unveils Third List Of Candidates For Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Including Key Party Figures

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the next 15 days as critical, warning of intensifying pollution due to seasonal northwestern winds that could carry additional pollutants into the NCR region. With Diwali approaching, he announced plans to deploy drone technology to identify pollution sources in hotspot areas.

The city has been grappling with hazardous air quality in recent days, prompting authorities to enforce stage two of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) starting October 21. Restrictions include a ban on coal, firewood, and diesel generators, alongside a request to residents to avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass. GRAP Stage 1 measures, in effect since October 15, include mechanized street sweeping, water sprinkling, and restrictions on waste burning, coal and firewood use in eateries, and limited diesel generator operations.

Richa Kaushik

Recent Posts

JP Nadda Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Match-Fixing’ Claims As ‘Desperation Of Losing’ Polls

Rahul Gandhi's opinion piece appeared in a national daily and sparked political uproar. Opposition parties…

12 hours ago

Poverty In India Reduced Via Tangible Boost In Household Living Standards, Incomes

In 2022–23, poverty under the revised $3.00 line stood at just 5.25 per cent in…

12 hours ago

Chhattisgarh: Seven Maoists Killed In Indravati National Park Operation

Five Maoists were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district,…

13 hours ago

Carney Invites Modi To G7 Summit, Highlights India’s Global Supply Chain Role

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the most populous country, with the fifth-largest economy, must…

13 hours ago

RBI Frontloads Rate Cuts To Boost Growth Amid Low Inflation: Crisil

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has frontloaded its rate cuts to support economic growth,…

14 hours ago

PM Modi Urges Global Action On Coastal Resilience At Nice Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can…

14 hours ago