Home / Environment / Delhi Chokes: Season's Worst Air Quality Triggers Emergency Measures
Delhi Chokes: Season's Worst Air Quality Triggers Emergency Measures
14 Dec
Summary
- Delhi's AQI reached a season-high of 461, classifying it as 'severe'.
- Strictest pollution control measures, including construction bans, were invoked.
- Meteorological conditions, including 87% humidity, worsened air quality.
The national capital, Delhi, experienced its most severe air quality day of the season on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 461, significantly up from 432 the previous day. This critical level falls under the 'severe' category, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement the strictest measures under its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
These stringent actions include an immediate ban on all construction and demolition activities throughout the Delhi-NCR region. The decision to invoke Stage IV of GRAP was made as pollution levels escalated rapidly, compounded by unfavorable meteorological conditions. Earlier on Saturday, Stage III of GRAP was already enacted due to the worsening air quality.
Forecasting moderate fog for Monday, with temperatures expected between 8 and 23 degrees Celsius, the weather department also noted Sunday's minimum temperature at 8.2 degrees Celsius and maximum at 24 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 87 percent. Experts emphasize that while these measures are necessary, sustainable improvement requires proactive, long-term policy decisions and addressing systemic deficiencies.
