The air quality of Delhi came down into the ‘severe’ category on Saturday morning, leading to Stage ||| of the Graded Response Action Plan.
As per the data from Central Pollution Control, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded 401 (severe) at 11 am on Saturday, and the average AQI recorded was 349 (very poor) on Friday.
“Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM GRAP Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage III of the extant GRAP—‘Severe’ air quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 401–450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I and II of the extant GRAP already in force in the NCR,” CAQM said, and Hindustan Times reported.
“The wind speed has been very low since Friday, leading to a spike in pollution levels. Due to the western disturbance, the AQI might remain in this range on Sunday as well. Wind speed might pick up from Monday again, bringing some respite,” Skymet vice-president Mahesh Palawat said.
“The air quality is likely to be in the severe category on Sunday. The air quality is likely to be in the very poor category on Monday. The outlook for the subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in the very poor category,” the AQEWS bulletin said.
Meanwhile, as per the Hindustan Times, it was reported by the CAQM officials that NCR pollution control boards and other concerned agencies have
CAQM officials said that NCR pollution control boards and other concerned agencies have also been directed to step up preventive measures to curb any further deterioration in the region’s air quality.
