Delhi woke up to a grey, smoggy Saturday, with several monitoring stations back in the “severe” range. Air quality has stayed between very poor and severe for days, and the forecast offers little relief before 16 November.
Where the air was worst
At 6 am on 14 November, the IITM Early Warning System recorded these AQI readings, as reported by Outlook India:
- North Campus: 423 (severe)
- IIT Delhi: 419 (severe)
- ITO: 414 (severe)
- Burari Crossing: 412 (severe)
- DTU: 402 (severe)
- Chandni Chowk: 395, Punjabi Bagh: 394, Anand Vihar: 381 (very poor)
The citywide hourly average stood at about 349 at 6 am, in the very poor band. CPCB’s official daily AQI is calculated differently, using data up to 4 pm, so it can differ from these early readings.
GRAP Stage III stays in force
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan across the NCR on 6 November, when the AQI hit 382 and forecasts pointed to severe air, Open reported. Under it:
- Many construction and demolition activities are restricted.
- Stone crushers and mining operations are shut.
- BS-III petrol and BS-IV or older diesel light motor vehicles face restrictions in Delhi and specified NCR districts.
- Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel medium goods vehicles are restricted, and similar goods vehicles from outside Delhi cannot enter the city.
- Schools up to Class V may shift to hybrid classes.
If you drive an older vehicle, check its fuel type and emission standard before heading out, as fines apply.
Why the air is not clearing
Weather is a big part of it. The IMD forecast for Saturday was partly cloudy skies with mist or shallow fog in the morning and winds of only about 10 to 15 kmph. Weak winds and cooler nights trap pollutants close to the ground. IITM expects very poor air quality to continue until at least 16 November.
Protecting your health
CPCB says severe air can affect even healthy people, and those with heart or lung disease may feel it more, even during light activity. PM2.5 particles can travel deep into the lungs.
- Avoid early-morning walks and outdoor exercise on bad days.
- Wear a well-fitting N95 mask if you must go out.
- Keep windows shut during peak smog hours.
- Watch children, older family members and anyone with asthma closely.
If you have breathing trouble, chest tightness or a persistent cough, please consult a doctor.
Reporting based on Outlook India and Open.
Featured image: AnkClix, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
