Delhi’s Air Quality Remains “Very Poor” For Seventh Day, AQI At 346

For the seventh consecutive day, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 346, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecasted that unfavorable weather conditions will sustain high pollution levels for the next three days.

Monitoring Stations Report “Severe” Levels

Shadipur emerged as the worst-affected area, with air quality entering the “severe” category, recording an AQI above 400. Other monitoring stations also reported alarming figures, with Rohini leading at 340, Bhalswa landfill at 336, Dwarka at 334, and Alipur at 332. Najafgarh recorded the lowest AQI at 292, falling within the “poor” category.

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Air Quality Trends Show Deterioration

Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI at 4 p.m. on Saturday stood at 346, worsening from Friday’s reading of 331. The CPCB classifies AQI levels between 301 and 400 as “very poor” and those above 400 as “severe,” indicating serious health risks. With the onset of winter, pollution levels have escalated, aggravating the air quality crisis.

Supreme Court Steps In With GRAP-4 Enforcement

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Supreme Court has directed the strict enforcement of all measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), except for school closures. GRAP-4 imposes stringent restrictions on construction, industrial emissions, and other pollution-intensive activities.

Construction Ban And Truck Restrictions Implemented

Under GRAP-4, authorities have suspended construction activities for public infrastructure projects to control dust pollution, a major contributor to the current crisis. A ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi has also been enforced, with exceptions for vehicles carrying essential goods or operating on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity.

Court Warns Of Legal Action Against Lapses

The Supreme Court further expressed concern over lapses in GRAP implementation and warned that officials failing to enforce guidelines would face legal consequences. Additionally, the court has directed state governments to use labor cess funds to support construction workers affected by the ongoing construction ban.

Health Risks Mount For Delhi Residents

With air quality hovering between “very poor” and “severe,” Delhi residents further continue to face significant health risks, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and take precautions to mitigate health impacts during this pollution crisis.