Pollution conditions in Delhi-NCR continue to remain severe today, with the air quality in Delhi persistently staying in the very poor category, while the air quality index in multiple areas of the capital has crossed the 400 mark once again. Even after the night of Diwali, the overall AQI remains trapped in the very poor category, while heavy firecrackers were burnt across Delhi-NCR during Diwali. It was anticipated that the overall AQI of Delhi would reach the severe category following the festival, but fortunately, that has not happened yet. On Monday morning, the overall AQI in Delhi was recorded at 366. However, the AQI has reached the severe category in several prominent localities of Delhi, including ITO, Punjabi Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Burari, North Campus, and Jahangirpuri, where the AQI has surpassed 400.
Experts explain that the AQI is categorized systematically, where an index between 0 and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 is satisfactory, 101 to 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is poor, 301 to 400 is very poor, and 401 to 500 is classified as severe. The specific AQI figures recorded across various locations in Delhi today are deeply concerning. Alipur recorded an AQI of 391, Anand Vihar 337, Ashok Vihar 312, Aya Nagar 378, Burari 373, Chandni Chowk 418, Dwarka Sector-8 361, IGI Airport T3 297, IIT Delhi 361, ITO 404, Jahangirpuri 439, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 373, JNU 349, Lodhi Road 370, Mundka 413, Najafgarh 343, Narela 382, Okhla Phase-2 351, Punjabi Bagh 408, Pusa 383, RK Puram 367, Rohini 435, Vivek Vihar 441, and Wazirpur recorded an AQI of 368.
Amidst a thick layer of smog blanketing the capital, citizens are experiencing severe breathing difficulties as air quality drifts into the very poor category. In response to these worsening conditions, Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan has been enforced across Delhi-NCR, imposing stringent restrictions on construction work and industrial activities. There is a strict ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. The movement of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles has also been prohibited. Also, mechanical road sweeping and increased water sprinkling have been ramped up to control road dust, while prior to this, on Sunday at 7 PM, Delhi's air quality index was recorded at 371, falling under the very poor category.
The enforcement of GRAP-3 in Delhi-NCR includes a ban on construction work and industrial activities, a ban on non-essential construction and demolition, restrictions on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, the shutdown of stone crushers, a prohibition on mining activities, a ban on inter-state diesel buses, closure of non-compliant brick kilns, and directives to conduct primary classes via online mode. Amidst these strict rules, authorities have strongly advised citizens to take special precautions in this polluted environment. Children and the elderly must take special care and step out of their homes only when absolutely necessary, while even when stepping outside, wearing a mask is mandatory. Citizens are advised to keep their windows and doors closed, postpone morning or evening walks for a few days, avoid burning garbage or plastic, and take advantage of public transport.
Guidelines detailing what to do and what not to do have also been issued. According to the guidelines, do's include wearing a mask when stepping outside, keeping home windows and doors shut, using a damp mop instead of sweeping with a broom indoors, keeping the body hydrated by drinking lukewarm water, and using public transport, while on the other hand, the don'ts advise citizens not to use ordinary handkerchiefs as masks, avoid morning and evening walks, refrain from burning garbage or plastic, steer clear of outdoor exercises, and avoid visiting construction sites or dust-prone areas.