Delhi AQI Today: Air quality in several parts of Delhi remained in the “severe” category on Friday morning, November 15, as a thick layer of smog blanketed the National Capital Region, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.
The worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) has led the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the central pollution watchdog, to enforce Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on construction activities and restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the NCR.
The restrictions will take effect at 8 a.m. on Friday. Additionally, the Delhi government announced that due to alarming pollution levels, in-person classes for primary schools will be suspended until further notice, though online classes may continue.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that Delhi’s Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 441 at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
Bawana (455), Dwarka Sector 8 (444), and Jahangirpuri (458) were among the areas with the worst air quality in Delhi, with AQI levels exceeding 400, classified as “severe.”
Delhi Air Pollution: Key Updates and Restrictions
1. New Restrictions on Vehicles: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Delhi and NCR states to impose strict restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and nearby areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Violators face a ₹20,000 fine.
2. Stage 3 GRAP Measures: Under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), all inter-state buses from NCR states are prohibited from entering Delhi. Additionally, construction and demolition activities, mining, and quarrying are banned, with daily water sprinkling on main roads. Primary school students may shift to online classes.
3. Permitted Vehicles and Activities: Electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel buses are allowed in NCR. Less-polluting construction activities are permitted if they adhere to strict Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules.
4. Delhi Metro Adjustments: In response to GRAP-III, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has added 20 more weekday trips, in addition to 40 added during GRAP-II, starting Friday.
5. Current AQI Levels: Delhi’s 24-hour AQI reached 424 at 4 p.m., up from 418 the previous day. Out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations, 27 recorded AQI in the “severe” category, including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aya Nagar, Bawana, Dwarka Sector 8, IGI Airport, ITO, Jahangirpuri, and North Campus.
6. Political Tensions: The BJP criticized Delhi’s environment minister Gopal Rai, demanding his resignation over worsening pollution. Rai responded by accusing neighboring BJP-led states of insufficient action to curb pollution.
7. Understanding GRAP Stages: GRAP, the response plan for Delhi-NCR, has four stages: Stage 1 for “poor” AQI (201-300), Stage 2 for “very poor” (301-400), Stage 3 for “severe” (401-450), and Stage 4 for “severe plus” (above 450).
8. AQI Trends: Delhi has experienced “very poor” air quality since October 30, with the first “severe” AQI recorded this season on Wednesday.
9. Main Pollution Sources: According to the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management, vehicular emissions are the top contributor to Delhi’s pollution at 12.2%. Stubble burning is also a major factor, with satellite data recording 202 farm fires in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Haryana, and 5 in Punjab on Thursday.
10. Efforts to Address Pollution: Authorities continue enforcing GRAP measures and promoting cleaner transportation to reduce pollution across the NCR.
