Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category for the third straight day on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 409, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The persistent smog has disrupted daily life, affecting visibility and ground and air transportation.
Delhi AQI still in severe category
The pollution crisis is particularly acute in several areas of the capital, with 21 out of 39 monitoring stations recording severe AQI levels. Four locations – Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Wazirpur, and Rohini – registered alarming readings between 452 and 458, though the overall 24-hour air quality showed marginal improvement from Thursday’s 432.
Schools go online, says Delhi CM Atishi
Amid the rise in AQI, several trains are running late by over two hours. Over 25 trains arriving at New Delhi railway station are also delayed.
With no respite in sight, Chief Minister Atishi announced in a post on X that all primary schools in Delhi have been moved online. She said the online classes for primary school children will continue “until further directions”.
GRAP 3 activated
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The Delhi government also announced emergency measures, including shifting classes for students up to Grade V to online mode until further notice.
What is GRAP 3?
The GRAP Stage 3 restrictions include a ban on non-compliant interstate buses entering Delhi, with exemptions for electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel vehicles. Additional measures encompass halting construction and demolition activities, implementing daily road sprinkling, and restricting BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and neighbouring districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The current crisis, which began Wednesday after two weeks of “very poor” air quality, is attributed to a combination of vehicular emissions, agricultural burning, and unfavourable weather conditions, particularly low wind speeds that trap pollutants over the region.
I should note that as my knowledge cutoff is April 2024, you may want to verify current air quality conditions and restrictions with local authorities.
