Areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were covered in thick smog, with an AQI of 349, also placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Najafgarh recorded a slightly lower AQI of 284, though the area was still surrounded by heavy smog, CPCB data indicated
Thick fog covered much of Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning, drastically lowering visibility and affecting regular movement throughout the capital region. PIC/ PTI
Large parts of the capital were enveloped in a dense layer of toxic smog, drastically reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. RK Puram experienced severe smog, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 374, categorising it as ‘very poor’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Similarly, areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were covered in thick smog, with an AQI of 349, also placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Najafgarh recorded a slightly lower AQI of 284, though the area was still surrounded by heavy smog, CPCB data indicated, reported news agency ANI.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels.
A thick layer of fog also blanketed the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) deployed 19 teams for a road-inspection drive on December 12, reported ANI.
This drive was conducted as part of the Commission's ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework and provisions of the extant GRAP. According to the release, a total of 136 road stretches within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) jurisdiction were inspected across Delhi.
According to the final compiled data, 15 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 38 showed moderate dust, 61 recorded low dust intensity, and 22 stretches had no visible dust. Road stretches with accumulation of MSW and C and D waste were reported to be 55 and 53, respectively. 6 stretches were reported to have evidence of MSW/ Biomass burning, the release said.
The above observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of the affected stretches. It highlighted the need for DDA to enhance operational efficiency and implement prompt corrective measures through consistent, timely dust-mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to improve compliance across all road stretches for MSW/Biomass burning, it was highlighted.
The Commission observed that these kinds of incidents impact particulate matter levels in Delhi and emphasised the need for strengthened on-ground action, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges in addition to deployment of water-sprinkling/ dust-suppression systems and focused action(s) for prevention of open burning cases across all stretches maintained by DDA.
(With ANI inputs)
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