Delhi’s Air Pollution Reaches ‘Very Severe’ Levels Due to Farm Fires

Delhi-NCR’s air quality getting worse day by day. Today, November 3, the air quality became seriously polluted, which is a dangerous mark on a scale of 500 with AQI reaching alarming levels in several places. Schools have been closed in Delhi for two days given the severe air quality in the national capital.

Delhi has entered the final stage of air pollution!

Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index stood at 468 on Friday which falls in the “severe plus” category. This a stage at which all emergency measures, including a ban on polluting trucks, commercial four-wheelers, and all types of construction, are mandated to be initiated and enforced in the National Capital Region. These measures constitute the final stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. This should ideally be activated at least three days before the Air Quality Index surpasses the 450 mark in the capital, as outlined in a policy document prepared by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

“Delhi’s average AQI has already shown a declining trend since the afternoon. At noon, the average AQI clocked 475 which improved to 468 at 4 pm and further to 456 at 5 PM,” the CAQM said in a meeting. It also said that curbs under Stage III of the pollution control plan were implemented only a day ago and it’s reasonable to allow time to have their full impact on AQI in the region.

Schools will be closed and only these vehicles will be allowed on the streets!

The Delhi government has announced to close all primary schools for two days to safeguard young children from health-threatening pollution.

Under the final stage (Stage IV) of the Graded Response Action Plan, only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles from other states are allowed to enter Delhi, with exemptions granted to those involved in essential services.

The city’s AQI skyrocketed from 351 at 10 am on November 2 to 471 at 9 am on Friday. This reflects a sudden increase in pollution levels due to highly unfavorable meteorological conditions and a sharp spike in stubble-burning incidents in neighboring states. All medium and heavy goods vehicles not engaged in essential services are also required to be banned in the capital.