Delhi's 'Very Poor' Air Quality Continues for Sixth Day; Government to Halt Construction if AQI Reaches 400

The AQI at Dhirpur with PM 2.5 was at 369, under 'very poor' category. In Pusa and Delhi University the AQI recorded PM 2.5 at 328 and 379 ' very poor' category.

At Lodhi Road, the Air Quality Index with PM 2.5 concentration was at 338 in the 'very poor' category and the PM 10 stood at 253 in the 'poor' category.

At IIT Delhi station the PM 2.5 was at 335, a 'very poor' category while the PM 10 reached 215 in the 'poor' category.

The Air Quality Index at the city's Mathura Road was under 'very poor' category with PM 2.5 at 303 and PM 10 concentration at 351 under 'very poor' category.

According to the forecast from the SAFAR, the air quality of the city on Friday will deteriorate further under the 'very poor' category with PM 2.5 reaching 349 and the PM 10 concentration to be at 292 under 'poor' category .

The Air Quality Index of Delhi’s neighbouring cities of Noida stood at 384 and the PM 10 concentration at 397 both under 'very poor' category, while Gurugram's AQI was reported at 326 under 'poor' category and the PM 10 concentration at 195 under 'moderate' category.

If Air Quality Index (AQI) levels remain above 400 at the hotspots and continue to be the same for the next one week, all construction work within one-kilometre area of that hotspot will be stopped, said Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai after a review meeting.

"According to scientists, the temperature is decreasing rapidly and the wind speed is also very low. The next 15-20 days are going to be crucial for Delhi. The CAQM had given instructions to implement GRAP-2, which has been implemented in Delhi.

"Despite that, the AQI at many places is rising significantly. To control it and to implement GRAP-2 rules more strictly, a joint meeting was held with the officials of all the concerned departments," Rai said.

The minister also gave instructions to the concerned officials to intensify water spraying and the use of anti-smog guns at the hotspots and other high-polluting areas.

He also instructed DTC to hire a private 'Paryavaran Bus' on a priority basis.

"The DTC has started 128 shuttle bus services on the congested routes and the Metro authorities have increased the frequency by 40 trips. Delhi Metro has been asked to increase the frequency further.

"Also, the DTC has been instructed to hire 1,000 CNG 'Paryavaran Bus' by November 10. The authorities responsible for water sprinkling have been instructed to mix dust suppressants and spray them not only on the hotspots but also at other places." the minister said.

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