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Delhi Chokes: Air Quality Hits Severe Amidst Dense Fog
18 Jan
Summary
- Delhi's AQI soared to 444, entering the 'severe' category on Sunday.
- Stage 4 measures, including construction bans, were activated by CAQM.
- Dense fog caused zero visibility for hours, worsening pollution levels.
Delhi's air quality entered the 'severe' category on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 444. This drastic deterioration followed the invocation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Unfavorable weather conditions, including calm winds associated with a western disturbance and dense fog, contributed significantly to the pollution. Visibility dropped to zero for extended periods, creating hazardous conditions. Stage 4 measures restrict certain vehicle traffic, halt all construction, and mandate hybrid learning for younger students.
While Stage 3 measures were initiated on Friday, the worsening AQI prompted the escalation to Stage 4. Forecasts suggest a slight improvement, with the AQI expected to return to the 'very poor' category by Monday.
