Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates for Sixth Consecutive Day
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital and surrounding regions continues to deteriorate, posing severe health risks for residents. According to official data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi was recorded at 318 on Saturday, categorizing it as 'very poor'.
The deterioration marks the sixth consecutive day that Delhi-NCR's air quality has remained in the 'very poor' category, creating significant challenges for public health and daily life. The toxic air is not confined to New Delhi alone; neighboring cities are also grappling with dangerous pollution levels.
In Uttar Pradesh, Noida recorded an AQI of 267, while Greater Noida and Ghaziabad showed reading of 286 and 250 respectively. Haryana's Gurugram saw an AQI of 284, with most areas falling in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories.
However, a slight respite was recorded in Noida's Sector 125, which reported an AQI of 184, falling in the 'moderate' to 'poor' range. The temperature in Delhi has also dropped significantly, intensifying the impact of pollution, with Friday morning reading at 9.5 degrees Celsius - one degree below the season's normal.
The Supreme Court has directed that all Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 measures, except those related to schools, will remain in effect until December 2. The court emphasized the need for strict enforcement and noted lapses in the implementation of GRAP-4 guidelines, warning action against officials responsible for such failures.
Authorities have implemented several restrictions under GRAP-4, including a ban on non-essential trucks entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity. Construction activities for public infrastructure projects have also been suspended to curb dust pollution, a major contributor to the crisis.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to polluted air and protect their health during this challenging period.