According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ITO area was recorded at 434, placing it in the "severe" category
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Delhi choked under a blanket of smog on Monday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 417 in the 'severe' category, according to the Sameer app.
Air quality ‘severe’ at 25 stations, ‘very poor’ at 14
The air quality was 'severe' at 25 stations, while it was 'very poor' at 14 station.
According to the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ITO area was recorded at 434, placing it in the "severe" category. Similar conditions prevailed near Rafi Marg, where the AQI stood at 417, while areas around the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar reported an AQI of 455.
Anand Vihar, Wazirpur among worst-hit pollution hotspots
Several other locations across the capital also witnessed alarmingly high pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 462, Ashok Vihar 473, Bawana 448, Burari 460, Chandni Chowk 454, Dwarka Sector-8 427, Mundka 467, Narela 437, Punjabi Bagh 434, RK Puram 439, Rohini 437 and Wazirpur 472. All these areas remained in the 'severe' category, indicating extremely poor air quality and heightened health risks.
Wazirpur records highest AQI; data unavailable at one station
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Sameer app, AQI data for one station was not available while writing this report. Wazirpur, which recorded an AQI of 474, had the worst air quality among all stations.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
Pollution likely to stay severe to very poor in coming days
Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in 'severe' to 'very poor' category for the next two days. The outlook for the subsequent six days also states that the air quality is likely to be in the 'very poor' band, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS).
Temperatures to remain low amid smog and cold wave
The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 23-25 degree Celsius and 6-8 degree Celsius, respectively.
Stage-IV GRAP measures reimposed across Delhi-NCR
Meanwhile, in response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday reinvoked Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality and relevant factors and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decides to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (DELHI AQI > 450), with immediate effect, in the entire NCR, as a proactive measure. This is in addition to the actions under Stages I, II & III of the extant GRAP already in force in NCR," the order from the CAQM read.
Authorities urge citizens to limit outdoor activities
The order further added, "NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies concerned have been asked to escalate the preventive measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region." With severe pollution, cold wave and dense fog persisting, authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories, and take precautions against the hazardous air quality.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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