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Thick smog blankets Delhi as the AQI, pushing the national capital back into the severe air quality. (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: Delhi witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality on Friday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 402, pushing the national capital back into the severe pollution category. A thick layer of smog covered several parts of the city, significantly reducing visibility and raising concerns over public health.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 33 of Delhi's 58 air quality monitoring stations recorded severe pollution levels. Several locations reported AQI readings above 450, highlighting the extent of the deterioration.
IIT Delhi emerged as the most polluted monitoring location, recording an AQI of 487. Chandni Chowk and North Campus followed closely, with readings of 476 each. Furthermore, Pusa registered an AQI of 468, while Jaffarpur recorded 461. Other heavily affected locations included Mathura Road at 455, ITO and Burari Crossing at 453 each, JNU at 451 and Aya Nagar at 433.
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The latest figures mark a significant deterioration from Thursday, when Delhi's average AQI stood at 323, placing it in the very poor category.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi's air quality is likely to fluctuate between the very poor and severe categories until November 16. Better wind conditions could provide some relief after that.
Pollution levels across neighbouring NCR cities were comparatively lower. At 5 am, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 377, followed by Noida at 369 and Gurugram at 349.
Delhi's pollution crisis has intensified since Diwali, with stubble burning in neighbouring states adding to the city's deteriorating air quality. Unfavourable weather conditions have further contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.
Meanwhile, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has intensified action against pollution-control violations.
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District Magistrate Medha Roopam has instructed officials to strictly enforce the construction and demolition ban under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The directions were issued during a virtual review meeting following the Commission for Air Quality Management's implementation of GRAP-III across Delhi-NCR.
Officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections and take action against those violating the restrictions.
Weather conditions are also expected to remain relatively stable, with maximum temperatures ranging between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures between 14 and 17 degrees Celsius through November 15.
