Delhi air quality worsens to 'severe' category as smog chokes visibility

The aerial prime successful Delhi has importantly declined, entering the 'severe' class arsenic residents proceed to grapple with dense smog and reduced visibility. According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 420 arsenic of 9 americium connected Friday, marking the 3rd consecutive time of terrible pollution. This comes connected the heels of weeks of deteriorating aerial prime post-Diwali, wherever levels were antecedently stuck successful the 'very poor' range. Drone footage captured from areas similar AIIMS and Akshardham Temple highlighted the grade of smog, making adjacent salient landmarks hardly visible.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the AQI successful Anand Vihar astatine a worrying 441, further solidifying the terrible presumption of aerial prime crossed the city. Residents and greeting walkers on Kartavya Path reported challenges owed to the heavy haze, yet beingness continued arsenic accustomed contempt the wellness risks.

GRAP Stage III activated; restrictions imposed to curb pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) connected November 14 pursuing an urgent review. The determination comes aft the AQI remained successful the 'severe' class since November 13, showing nary signs of contiguous improvement. Under Stage III measures, a prohibition connected BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles has been enforced successful Delhi and NCR, alongside a halt to operation activities, but for indispensable authorities projects. 

Truck drivers and regular wage workers person voiced concerns implicit the restrictions, fearing important fiscal setbacks, including the inability to repay conveyance loans. The CAQM has besides called for nationalist cooperation, urging citizens to usage cleaner transport options, enactment from home, and refrain from utilizing ember and wood for heating.

With forecasts indicating that the aerial prime whitethorn stay astatine the higher extremity of the 'very poor' class successful the coming days, stricter measures could beryllium implemented if contamination levels bash not subside. This year’s invocation of Stage III measures came aboriginal than successful 2023, reflecting a longer hold successful the highest of terrible pollution. The CAQM continues to show the concern intimately and has appealed to residents to adhere to guidelines aimed astatine mitigating wellness risks during this captious period.

(With inputs from agencies)