Delhi's air quality remains very poor, AQI at 349

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' on Tuesday, with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 349 as per SAFAR-India. Though it was still under very poor category, the air quality was just slightly better than Tuesday's AQI of 385.

Smog was seen in several parts of the national capital including India Gate, Aerocity, Lodhi Road, AIIMS, and Akshardham Temple, reported ANI.

Earlier on Monday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR after the overall AQI fell into the 'very poor' category.

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

#WATCH | Delhi: Air quality in the national capital deteriorates to 'very poor' quality, with AQI at 349 as per SAFAR-India

(Visuals from ITO) pic.twitter.com/CblIIU34ye

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024

GRAP II Restrictions

With Stage II of GRAP now in force, an 11-point action plan is being implemented across the NCR. The plan includes mechanical/vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, intensified inspections at construction and demolition sites, and proper disposal of collected dust at designated sites.

The CAQM has also urged citizens to use public transport, minimise the use of personal vehicles, and regularly replace air filters in their vehicles. Citizens are also advised to avoid dust-generating activities and open burning of solid waste and biomass.

Here are the restrictions/advisories under GRAP II norms -

• Under GRAP II the vehicle parking fees will be enhanced to discourage the use of private transport.
• People have been advised to take less congested routes even if slightly longer.
• People are also advised to regularly replace air filters at recommended intervals in your automobiles.
• Residents are also advised to avoid dust-generating construction activities during months of October to January.
• CAQM has also advised people to avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass.
• Authorities have been told to start daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads.
• They have been told to ensure uninterrupted power supply to prevent use of backup generators.
• Authorities have to take focused action to reduce air pollution in identified hotspots in NCR. They have been told to increase measures to address the main sources of poor air quality in each hotspot.
• Authorities have also been told to sprinkle water and use dust suppressants on roads every other day during off-peak hours to control dust, especially in hotspots and busy areas. Dispose of collected dust at designated sites.
• Under GRAP II, there will be more inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites.