Delhi air quality remains ‘very poor’, anti-pollution restrictions imposed

The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas remained in the ‘very poor’ category for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 317 around 8 am. Several monitoring stations in the national capital recorded AQI levels exceeding 320, while Anand Vihar’s pollution level was close to ‘severe’, hitting 378.
At Indira Gandhi Airport, the AQI was 319. Alipur recorded 322, Dwarka 324, Bawana 350, and Dhyan Chand Stadium 328 — all falling within the ‘very poor’ range at the time of publishing this report.
Meanwhile, the second stage of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the anti-pollution restrictions, announced by the central watchdog, will come into force from today in the city.
With stubble burning continuing in neighbouring states and unfavourable wind conditions, the Air Quality Index is projected to exceed 400, falling in the ‘severe’ category, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Unfavourable meteorological factors, such as slow wind speeds and high humidity, are trapping pollutants in the air, while stubble burning remains a significant contributor to the deteriorating air quality.
As the AQI reached ‘very poor’ levels at 310 on Monday after a 94-day break, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) announced the implementation of the second stage of the GRAP to combat air pollution.
This phase bans the use of coal and firewood, including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as diesel generator sets (except for emergency and essential services). Out of 36 monitoring stations in the city, 26 recorded AQI levels in the red zone.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good,’ 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory,’ 101 to 200 as ‘moderate,’ 201 to 300 as ‘poor,’ 301 to 400 as ‘very poor,’ and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’.