Delhi's Air Quality Remains in 'Very Poor' Category

New Delhi- Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Tuesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 385, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks the second consecutive day in this range.

Thick smog enveloped several areas of the city, including Anand Vihar, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and Akshardham Temple. Ghazipur was particularly affected, with a dense haze significantly reducing visibility.

The CPCB warns that these hazardous air quality levels pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. They predict that air pollution levels will remain elevated unless weather conditions improve.

In response, the Public Works Department has initiated water sprinkling in several areas of the city to combat dust pollution.

On Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR in response to the AQI's 'very poor' status. This plan includes a series of measures such as increased road sweeping, intensified inspections at construction sites, and water sprinkling on designated roads.

The CAQM also urges citizens to take precautions by using public transportation, minimizing the use of personal vehicles, and regularly replacing air filters in their vehicles. They further advise against activities that contribute to pollution, such as open burning of waste.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, "As per the dynamic model and forecasts for weather and air quality provided by IMD/IITM, there is a likelihood that the daily average AQI of Delhi will remain in the 'very poor' category (AQI 301-400) in the coming days due to unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions."