Delhi AQI: National capital’s air remains toxic

Delhi is experiencing a serious decline in air quality with an AQI reading of 365. As Diwali approaches, pollution levels may increase due to firecracker use and stubble burning. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented stage three measures to manage air quality. Forecasts indicate continued poor air quality, likely reaching severe levels from November 7 to 9.

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with the overall AQI standing at 365 ahead of Diwali. Several monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400, including IIT Delhi (440), Punjabi Bagh (433) and Vivek Vihar (425). Of the 59 monitoring stations across the city, 22 recorded severe air quality at 7:30 am, while the remaining stations were in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

The AQI was in the 'very poor' category Friday morning and rose from 389 at 8 am to 391 at 9 am, indicating a further deterioration in air quality.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is classified as 'good', 51 and 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 as 'moderate', 201 and 300 as 'poor', 301 and 400 as 'very poor', and 401 and 500 as 'severe'.

Delhi AQI: Top 10 stations with worst AQI

Sno.Station NameAQIProminent Pollutant1IIT Delhi, Delhi - IITM440PM102Punjabi Bagh, Delhi - DPCC433PM2.53Vivek Vihar, Delhi - DPCC425PM2.54Mundka, Delhi - DPCC421PM2.55Jahangirpuri, Delhi - DPCC421PM2.56Rohini, Delhi - DPCC418PM2.57R K Puram, Delhi - DPCC414PM2.58Najafgarh, Delhi - DPCC412PM2.59Sonia Vihar, Delhi - DPCC412PM2.510Sirifort, Delhi - CPCB411PM2.5

Source: Central Pollution Control Board

Delhi air pollution: GRAP-III in place

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday imposed stage three measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

According to the commission, Delhi's AQI stood at 382 in the 'very poor' category on Thursday at 4 pm.

In its daily bulletin, IITM-Pune said, "Air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' category on November 6. The air quality is likely to be in the 'severe' category from November 7 to 9. The outlook for the subsequent 6 Days: The air quality is likely to be in the 'severe' to 'very poor' category."

GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold.

Under GRAP-3, there are strict restrictions on dust generating/air pollution causing construction and demolition (C&D) activities in the entire NCR.

Moreover, NCR state governments and the Delhi government have to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength and the rest to work from home.

Delhi weather forecast (November 7)

November 7: The IMD expects city to witness shallow fog, with the maximum temperature at 29°C and the minimum at 16°C. Humidity is likely to range between 65% and 85%. No weather warning has been issued.

Forecast for the following days:

November 8: Shallow fog is expected, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 28°C.

November 9: Moderate fog is likely, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 28°C.

November 10: Moderate fog is expected, with temperatures ranging between 14°C and 27°C.

November 11: Moderate fog is likely, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 27°C.

November 12: Moderate fog is expected, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 27°C.

No weather warnings have been issued for any of these days.