Delhi-NCR's air quality turns 'poor', AQI reaches...

The air pollution situation in Delhi-NCR continued to deteriorate on Friday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 293, putting it in the 'poor' category. On Thursday, the pollution level in Delhi and Noida was recorded in the 'poor' category for the fourth consecutive day. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 207 at 6:34 am, 213 in Noida and 246 in Ghaziabad. Apart from this, AQI 192 was recorded in Sonipat and AQI 182 in Faridabad, which is considered to be in the moderate category of pollution.

AQI at Anand Vihar area of Delhi has dropped to 339, which is categorised as 'Very Poor'. AQI at India Gate and surrounding areas has been recorded at 270, marked as 'Poor'.AQI at Dwarka, Sector-8 has been recorded at 325 putting the area under the 'Very Poor' category. Vivek Vihar area of the national capital has moved to the category Very Poor' with AQI standing at 324.

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 can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

PWD vehicles sprinkled water in the parts of the national capital to reduce dust pollution in compliance with GRAP-1. Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi Government 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.

It is to be noted that an AQI between zero and 50 is considered good and between 51 and 100 is deemed satisfactory. It is moderate at 101-200, poor at 201-300, very poor at 301-400, severe at 401-500.