The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region with immediate effect, as Delhi's air quality deteriorated to the 'very poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 324 — the capital's first 'very poor' day of the season and its highest reading since February 4, when it stood at 339, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

The CAQM sub-committee, which reviewed the situation on Monday, tracked a steep 72-hour slide: Delhi's AQI was 117 in the 'moderate' category on Saturday, rose to 261 in the 'poor' category on Sunday, and worsened to 324 by Monday as meteorological conditions turned against dispersion of pollutants.

324Delhi AQI on Monday — 'very poor'
117 → 261 → 324Delhi AQI, Saturday to Monday
339Previous higher AQI reading, on February 4

Stage-II measures now apply on top of the Stage-I restrictions already in force. Municipal corporations, traffic police and pollution control boards across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have been directed to carry out daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling, mixed with dust suppressants, on heavy-traffic corridors and congestion points ahead of peak hours, and to step up inspections and remedial action at pollution hotspots and construction and demolition sites.

Source: ANI via Devdiscourse

To discourage private transport, urban local bodies have been told to enhance vehicle parking fees, and state governments and the Delhi government are implementing staggered working hours for public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The curbs come alongside the existing restriction on non-BS-VI vehicles entering the capital, which remains in force.

The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that the AQI will stay in the 'very poor' category until November 5, with only marginal improvement to 'poor' expected over the following six days. Three of Delhi's monitoring stations recorded pollution in the 'severe' range on Monday, and health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor activity while the spell lasts.

Source: Daily Jagran