Delhi's Air Quality Worsens to 'Very Poor' as Smog Engulfs City
CAQM has also urged citizens to use public transport, avoid dust-generating activities.
Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 385 by 8:00 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Thick smog blanketed key areas such as Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple, reducing visibility and intensifying pollution levels across the city.
In the Ghazipur area, smog further aggravated poor visibility, with the CPCB warning of significant health risks, particularly for those with respiratory issues. Officials noted that if weather conditions do not improve, pollution levels could remain critically high in the coming days.
A visitor at Kartavya Path, Saif, expressed his concern, saying, "Breathing becomes difficult during these months, especially in October, November, and December. While the government is taking measures to address the pollution, immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration."
On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the activation of Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR as the AQI entered the 'very poor' range, with a daily average of 310. According to the Ministry of Environment, the AQI is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category due to unfavorable weather conditions.
In response, GRAP-II's 11-point action plan has been initiated, including intensified road sweeping, water sprinkling, and stricter inspections of construction and demolition sites. The CAQM has also urged citizens to use public transport, avoid dust-generating activities, and refrain from burning waste or biomass.
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