Delhi residents woke up to severely degraded air quality on Thursday, as the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 321 by 7 AM, placing it firmly back in the "very poor" category. This marks a concerning reversal after a brief period earlier in the week when the AQI had dipped below 300 into the "poor" range, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Hotspots Record 'Severe' Pollution Levels
While the city's average AQI was 321, several monitoring stations registered far worse conditions. IIT Delhi recorded the highest reading at a staggering 414, which falls into the "severe" category. Other areas experiencing alarming pollution levels included NSUT Jaffarpur (399), ITO (397), North Campus (394), and Chandni Chowk (387), all deep within the "very poor" classification. Overall, 39 out of 57 monitoring stations reported "very poor" air quality, with 16 others in the "poor" category.
GRAP-2 Measures in Effect Amidst Worsening Air
The capital remains under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-2), which mandates intensified measures to combat pollution. These include enhanced mechanised road sweeping, increased water sprinkling, stricter enforcement against visibly polluting vehicles, and tightened controls on construction dust. Health advisories accompanying these pollution levels warn that "everyone may experience more serious health effects."
Stagnant Winds and No Rain Hamper Relief Efforts
Weather conditions are currently offering little assistance in clearing the air. The India Meteorological Department has ruled out any immediate rainfall, which is a crucial natural mechanism for washing pollutants out of the atmosphere. Meteorologists explain that stagnant winds, coupled with low temperatures and moisture, exacerbate the problem by trapping particulate matter close to the ground, preventing its dispersion.
Calls for Sustained Enforcement
Environmental experts emphasize the critical need for sustained enforcement of pollution control measures, not just emergency actions. They urge authorities to rigorously implement curbs on construction dust, waste burning, and high-emission vehicles. As Delhi's air quality remains above the 300 mark, the effectiveness and uniform application of GRAP restrictions across the National Capital Region will be under close scrutiny.