Thick smog envelops Delhi as chilling weather worsens pollution; AQI soars to 473
A thick layer of smog blanketed the national capital as plunging temperatures aggravated already severe air pollution levels. Several parts of Delhi recorded hazardous air quality, with the AQI soaring to 473, causing breathing difficulties and raising health concerns among residents.
New Delhi: As people struggle to breathe in the national capital, Delhi once again recorded an AQI falling under the "severe” category. A thick layer of smog blanketed the city, causing difficulties for commuters.
The chilling weather was accompanied by worsening pollution, owing to a surge in AQI levels across Delhi and its adjoining areas. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 445 during the early hours of Sunday. Meanwhile, areas such as Dwarka recorded an AQI of 380, while the air quality at Punjabi Bagh was even worse, with an AQI of 603—also in the severe category.
Akshardham recorded an AQI of 445, while India Gate recorded an AQI of 378. The AQI around the area stood at 320, categorised as "Very Poor,” according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Meanwhile, Dhaula Kuan recorded an AQI of 402.
GRAP-4 restrictions tighten for the week
The worsening weather pattern prompted the implementation of two restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV. These curbs have been made permanent as part of efforts to fight the ‘severe’ air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said.
He stated that petrol will not be provided to vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) until further orders, PTI reported. The Delhi government had earlier notified this measure as permanent earlier this week. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, making it mandatory for vehicle owners to possess a valid PUCC.
The second rule highlights restrictions on the entry of vehicles coming into Delhi from outside the city that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission standards. "Vehicles from outside Delhi that are below Bharat Stage VI (BS6) will also face restrictions on entering the capital,” PTI quoted Sirsa as saying. Authorities claim the restriction will serve a larger purpose by reducing vehicular emissions over the long term.