New Delhi, 08 November (H.S.): Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Sunday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 483 at 8:10 a.m., placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Several parts of the national capital recorded pollution levels above 400, raising concerns among residents.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI stood at 364 on Saturday morning, indicating a significant deterioration within 24 hours.

Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 449, followed by R.K. Puram at 448 and Bawana at 446. IIT Delhi and Rohini registered 445 each. Chandni Chowk recorded 420, Patparganj 421 and Alipur 413. All these areas fell in the ‘severe’ category.

Meanwhile, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 328, while Narela registered 395. The air quality around India Gate stood at 398, and the area near Akshardham Temple recorded 336. These locations remained in the ‘very poor’ category.

A thick layer of haze covered several parts of Delhi on Sunday morning as winter conditions began to set in. Poor visibility and worsening pollution added to concerns over public health.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday, ahead of Diwali, to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401–500 ‘severe’.

GRAP is a four-stage emergency framework implemented across Delhi-NCR. Under Stage III, restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities, curbs on certain older vehicles and stricter measures to control dust and vehicular emissions.

The restrictions also cover specified districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan adjoining Delhi. The measures aim to control pollution levels and prevent further deterioration in air quality during the festive period.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar