Delhi-NCR chokes under severe pollution; AQI crosses 400 in multiple areas

New Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'severe' category in Delhi-NCR on Saturday. Residents woke up to dense fog and a suffocating atmosphere. The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) recorded the city's AQI at 386, while the private agency AQI.in reported it at 470. Experts say this level has the same impact on the lungs as smoking 12 cigarettes per day. The dense morning haze also affected visibility from tall buildings and main roads in the city. Delhi AQI: Hundreds gather, dozens held as India Gate sees protest against air pollution Data from the Central Pollution Control Board According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality in many areas was recorded in the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories. The AQI for major locations was as follows: Ashok Vihar – 415 CRRI Mathura Road – 365 Burari Crossing – 383 Chandni Chowk – 419 Bawana – 441 Jahangirpuri – 422 Dwarka Sector-8 – 393 JLN Stadium – 389 ITO – 418 Mundka – 426 Najafgarh – 385 Patparganj – 399 Rohini – 423 Punjabi Bagh – 405 Narela – 418 Wazirpur – 447 RK Puram – 406 Siri Fort – 495 Vivek Vihar – 418 Sonia Vihar – 410 Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented Given the prolonged high pollution levels, The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has maintained Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. Under this stage, construction work, brick kilns, stone crushers, and other polluting activities have been banned. Action Continues Against Stubble Burning Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is considered a major cause of pollution. The Supreme Court has asked the governments of these states to submit a report on the steps taken in this regard. A bench headed by Chief Justice (CJI) B.R. Gavai expressed concern over the worsening situation despite the implementation of GRAP. Delhi Pollution Crisis: Schools up to class 5 shift to hybrid mode as GRAP-3 enforced Local Administration's Warnings Experts have advised people to wear masks when going out, children and the elderly to stay indoors, and take other measures to avoid air pollution. The Health Department has also issued a warning, stating that persistently high pollution levels can cause respiratory diseases, allergies, and eye irritation. Fog and Reduced Visibility Dense fog and smog reduced visibility in the city in the morning. This problem not only posed a challenge for motorists but also affected air travel and local transportation.