Delhi air quality still poor, AQI crosses 400 in many areas
New Delhi| The increasing level of air pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again increased the concern. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as of 7:15 am on Thursday, the average air quality index (AQI) of the capital Delhi remained at 389, which falls in the severe category. This is dangerous for health and citizens have been warned to take special precautions.
Apart from Delhi, pollution levels in nearby cities also remain worrying. AQI 237 has been recorded in Faridabad, 328 in Gurugram, 290 in Ghaziabad, 223 in Greater Noida and 261 in Noida. In 12 areas of Delhi, AQI has reached above 400, which falls in the very severe category. 408 in Alipore, 405 in Anand Vihar, 414 in Ashok Vihar, 418 in Bawana, 401 in Dwarka Sector 8, 435 in Jahangirpuri, 413 in Mundka, 411 in Nehru Nagar, 407 in Punjabi Bagh, 407 in Rohini, 412 in Shadipur and 436 in Wazirpur.
In addition, the AQI remains between 300 and 400 in many areas of Delhi. The level of pollution in these areas is also worrying. 369 in Aya Nagar, 339 in Chandni Chowk, 343 in Mathura Road, 368 in Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, 360 in DTU, 370 in IGI Airport, 341 in Dilshad Garden, 365 in ITO, 354 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 335 in Lodhi Road, 372 in Major Dhyanchand Stadium, 365 in Mahendra Marg, 366 in Najafgarh, 395 in Narela, 356 in North Campus DU, 365 in NSIT Dwarka, Okhla Face-2 recorded 389, Patparganj 381, RK Puram 389, Siri Fort 373, Sonia Vihar 394 and Sri Aurobindo Marg’s Akyai 360.
In view of the increasing levels of pollution, the fourth phase (GRAP-4) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi from Monday. After GRAP-4 was implemented, several stringent restrictions have been imposed by the government to control air pollution. Strict restrictions have been imposed on factories, construction works, and traffic in Delhi. Restrictions are most stringent once GRAP-4 is in place. Trucks, loaders and other heavy vehicles are not allowed to enter Delhi.
