Delhi-NCR Turns Cooler As Pollution Persists; GRAP-I Curbs Enforced

Delhi-NCR experienced a slight chill during the morning and evening hours on Thursday, while air pollution remained a concern, with several monitoring stations recording poor air quality and some reporting very poor conditions.

Chandni Chowk recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 306, placing it in the very poor category. Mandir Marg and Punjabi Bagh both recorded 279, followed by Sirifort at 277, Dwarka Sector 8 at 275 and Alipur at 272. Other areas reporting poor air quality included Pusa, Narela, Burari Crossing and IGI Airport Terminal 3.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 236, while North Campus of Delhi University registered 240. Other locations, including Karala, Uttam Nagar, Chhawla and Badarpur, reported moderate air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI of 0–50 is good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor and 401–500 severe.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Wednesday after the capital’s AQI rose to 244 at 2 PM on October 21, up from 179 a day earlier.

Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that pollution levels may remain elevated over the coming days.

GRAP-I restricts coal and firewood use in tandoors and curbs diesel generator use. The CAQM has directed authorities across Delhi-NCR to enforce these measures and monitor pollution.

Delhi’s Winter Action Plan, starting November 1, proposes a ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, BS-VI entry restrictions for non-Delhi vehicles and stricter dust control.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro will run 20 additional weekday trips from October 22 and strengthen dust-control measures at construction sites and on roads.

Also Read: Delhi AQI Turns ‘Poor’: What GRAP Stage 1 Means For Residents