Delhi AQI Remains Firmly Lodged in 'Very Poor' Category; GRAP Stage II Invoked in National Capital

In Dhirpur, the AQI plunged into a "severe" category at 348.

Notably, the AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

In Pusa, it was 306 falling under the "very poor" category. At Lodhi Road, the AQI with PM 2.5 concentration was at 304 coming under the "very poor" category and the PM 10 stood at 177 under the moderate category. Besides, the PM 2.5 was at 313, "very poor" category at IIT Delhi station, while the PM 10 reached 175, in the "moderate" category. Mathura Road was under the "moderate" category with PM 2.5 at 200 with PM 10 concentration at 180.

As per SAFAR, the air quality of the city is likely to deteriorate further under the "very poor" category with PM 2.5 reaching 320 and the PM 10 concentration at 200 "under poor" category on Monday.

The air quality at Delhi’s neighbouring cities of Noida stood at 317 and the PM 10 concentration at 322 both under the "very poor" category, while Gurugram's AQI was reported at 293, under "poor" category and the PM 10 concentration at 171 under "moderate" category.

A senior official said that the CAQM Sub-Committee for operationalisation of GRAP accordingly took stock of air quality scenarios and air quality forecasts for Delhi made available by IMD/ IITM at the meeting held on Saturday.

The Sub-Committee decided to invoke an 11-point action plan as per Stage II of GRAP in the entire NCR. Citizens are urged to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and assist in the effective implementation of the measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the air quality in the region.

They further urged to minimise the use of personal vehicles and opt for public transport. The CAQM has ordered the strict implementation of the schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR, including Industrial, Commercial, Residential and offices, etc.

It further said to augment CNG/ electric bus and metro services, an additional fleet will be inducted and the frequency of service will increase. “Resident Welfare Associations must necessarily provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open Bio-Mass and MSW burning during winters,” it added.

**

The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.