Delhi Air Pollution: Thick Layer Of Fog Engulfs National Capital As AQI Drops To 'Poor' Category

A thick layer of fog engulfed the national capital on Saturday as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 251, categorised as ‘Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board.

As the India Gate and surrounding area recorded ‘Poor’ AQI, the air quality in other areas of the national capital including Anand Vihar dropped to 334, categorised as ‘Very Poor.’

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI when marked under the ‘Poor’ category can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, whereas, when under the ‘Very Poor’ category, it can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

The Delhi Government on Tuesday announced the strict implementation of measures under the Graded Response Action Plan-1 (GRAP-1) to improve air quality in the national capital, according to a statement from the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials in attendance.

According to the statement, 99 teams have been assigned to inspect construction sites for dust control. The Public Welfare Department (PWD) will deploy 200 anti-smog guns, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) 30, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) 14, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) 80.

Additionally, Delhi Police will assign extra personnel to traffic-prone areas, and Home Guards will be on standby if needed.

Chief Minister Atishi also urged Delhi residents to carpool, refrain from burning crackers and waste, and report pollution incidents via the Green Delhi app.

The teams will ensure that dust control measures are adhered to at both government and private construction sites, with particular attention to the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which increases PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels and contributes to dust pollution, she added.

To further control road dust, anti-smog guns will be deployed this season. Atishi directed the PWD to deploy 200 anti-smog guns on its roads and at major pollution hotspots.

(With agency inputs…)