Delhi continues to struggle with ‘severe’ air quality for the second consecutive day, though authorities have decided to hold off on implementing stricter pollution control measures.
Gopal Rai on Delhi Air Quality Crisis
Environment Minister Gopal Rai explained the sudden deterioration: “For the last two days, for the first time this season, AQI has gone above 400 in Delhi. Meteorologists have reported that due to snowfall in the mountains, a drop in the temperature of Delhi has been recorded. Due to this, dry conditions have been created in the morning and evening in the entirety of North India.”
Delhi AQI reaches 428
According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Delhi’s Air Quality Index reached 428 by 9 am Thursday, with 32 of the city’s 39 monitoring stations recording levels above 400. Key locations including Anand Vihar, IGI Airport, Mandir Marg, and Patparganj all reported severe pollution levels. This represents the capital’s worst air quality this season, following Wednesday’s 24-hour AQI of 418, up from 334 the previous day.
GRAP 3 restrictions not be implemented in Delhi
Despite these alarming numbers, Rai announced that GRAP 3 (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions would not be implemented immediately. “There is a possibility of improvement in the pollution level from tomorrow,” he stated, adding that current GRAP 2 measures would be strictly enforced to avoid escalation to the next level.
The crisis has been compounded by meteorological conditions, with Delhi recording a seasonal low of 16.1 degrees Celsius, approximately three degrees above normal. Dense smog affected visibility at Delhi Airport, though conditions improved slightly by Thursday morning, with visibility reaching 400 meters by 8:30 am.
Supreme Court to hear on Nov 18
In response to the worsening situation, the Supreme Court has scheduled an expedited hearing for November 18 to address measures combating the city’s hazardous pollution levels.
As Delhi grapples with this environmental emergency, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing the need for urgent action with the economic impact of stricter pollution control measures.
