Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
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Delhi's Air Quality Plunges to 'Severe Plus,' Marking the Worst Levels of the Season
Delhi’s air pollution reaches alarming level, Photo PTI
Delhi’s air pollution reached alarming levels on Wednesday evening, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 450 mark, placing it in the 'severe plus' category. The spike, recorded at 11 PM, was a sharp increase from the 442 AQI reading at 7 AM. The deterioration in air quality is attributed to lower temperatures and stagnant wind conditions, which have hampered the dispersal of pollutants.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)'s Sameer app reported that Nehru Nagar (485) and Wazirpur (482) were among the worst-affected areas, followed closely by Rohini (478), Anand Vihar (478), and Punjabi Bagh (475). A shallow fog persisted throughout the day, intensifying the pungency of the air and causing widespread discomfort.
Delhi experienced a maximum temperature of 23°C on Wednesday, slightly above the seasonal average. However, the minimum temperature dropped to 7.6°C, a notch below normal, contributing to the worsening air quality.
The deteriorating air quality marks a sharp decline from Tuesday, when the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 433 by 4 PM, compared to 379 on Monday.
Delhi remains under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which mandates the strictest anti-pollution measures. These include a ban on construction activities and the entry of non-essential polluting trucks into the city. As per CPCB guidelines, AQI levels exceeding 450 demand urgent intervention to safeguard public health.
Stage-I (Poor): AQI 201-300
Stage-II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
Stage-III (Severe): AQI 401-450
Stage-IV (Severe Plus): AQI above 450
Schools in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have resumed hybrid learning modes due to the re-imposition of Stage-IV measures. Classes for students in grades 6-9 and 11 must operate in a hybrid format, while students in grades 10 and 12 are required to attend in-person.
This adjustment follows a previous shift to hybrid learning on November 25, which ended with a return to physical classes on December 5. The renewed measures aim to protect students from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.
Delhi’s worsening air quality underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address pollution, especially as winter conditions exacerbate the crisis.