Bad news for Delhi residents as IMD issues chilling alert amid rising pollution

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dipped to 452 at 6:05 PM, with as many as 21 places in the capital city recording an AQI above 450, categorized as 'severe plus'.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an alert in Delhi after air quality in the national capital deteriorated further and slumped to ‘severe plus’ category in several places. The weather agency has advised Delhiites to keep the doors and windows of their homes shut, and avoid venturing outside as the severe air quality could prove harmful for health, especially to children and the elderly.

As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dipped to 452 at 6:05 PM, with as many as 21 places in the capital city recording an AQI above 450, categorized as ‘severe plus’. Bawana was worst affected area with an AQI of 486, followed by Ashok Vihar (482), Dwarka (478), IGI Airport Area (478), and Anand Vihar (473), according to the CPCB data.

IMD issues alert

Meanwhile, IMD has issued an alert for the city on Monday (November 18), predicting dense fog and smog enveloping several places during morning hours, which is likely to persist till afternoon, causing a sharp dip in temperatures. The weather agency has advised commuters exercise extreme caution while driving as the smog will result in low visibility.

As per IMD data, he visibility in Delhi’s Palam area was recorded at 600 meters and in Safdarjung at 400 meters.

GRAP-IV imposed

Meanwhile, the Centre’s air quality panel has announced stricter pollution control measures for Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). According to officials, restrictions under GRAP-IV will come into force from 8 AM on Monday, which includes a ban on entry of trucks and a temporary halt on construction at public projects.

The orders for implementing GRAP-IV measures were issued by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after Delhi’s AQI worsened, reaching 441 at 4 pm and rising to 457 by 7 pm. The order mandates that no trucks be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric).

Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones, while Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned, except for those in essential services, the order said.

According to the order, all construction activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines and other public projects, have been suspended. Additionally, the CAQM has suggested online classes for the students of Classes 6 to 9 and Class 11, and recommended offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) work at 50 percent capacity, with the rest working from home.

(With PTI inputs)