New Delhi: Delhi continued to grapple with a “very poor” air quality on Sunday, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 398 as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India).
The Central Pollution Control Board’s data highlighted varying levels of air quality in different areas of Delhi. Anand Vihar showed an AQI of 336, while Alipur marked 363, ITO recorded 329, and Bawana registered 371, all categorising the air quality as ‘very poor.’
Earlier on Saturday, the Delhi government announced the reopening of schools from Monday (November 20), following an improvement in air quality from the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category. The Directorate of Education has issued a notice, cautioning the postponement of outdoor activities and assemblies for an additional week.
This development comes in the wake of the Commission for Air Quality Management lifting anti-pollution measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and adjoining areas on Saturday after the air quality improved from ‘severe’ to’very poor’ category.
This came after the average air quality index (AQI) of the city clocked 319, as per the daily AQI bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) prohibited all medium and heavy goods vehicles not involved in essential services from operating in the capital, according to the latest CAQM directive.
Restrictions under Stages I to III of the GRAP shall, however, remain invoked and be implemented, monitored, and reviewed by all agencies concerned in the entire NCR to ensure that the AQI levels do not slip further into the ‘Severe or ‘Severe +’ category.