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Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor'
2 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality turned 'very poor', reaching AQI 324 on Monday.
- GRAP-II implemented, mandating staggered office timings and parking fee hikes.
- Vehicular emissions identified as the largest single source of pollution.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) dropped to a 'very poor' category on Monday, with readings reaching 324, the highest observed since February 11. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has consequently implemented GRAP-II, which includes measures such as staggered office timings and higher parking fees. These actions aim to mitigate the worsening pollution.
Factors contributing to the decline include low wind speed and high humidity. Vehicular emissions accounted for approximately 20% of Delhi's pollution on Monday. Several areas, including Jahangirpuri (AQI 438) and Rohini (AQI 417), were severely affected. Surface winds are expected to remain light, with forecasts predicting continued 'very poor' air quality over the next few days.
The Delhi government's anti-pollution framework, active since November 1, also imposes bans on private construction and restricts certain vehicle entries. Additional measures include the deployment of special enforcement teams and enhanced monitoring through ANPR cameras and an integrated command center. The Delhi Metro has also increased its service frequency to encourage public transport use.
