Air pollution in the capital Delhi has once again reached dangerous levels. From Monday night to Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded above 400 in most areas of Delhi-NCR, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. The highest pollution levels were recorded in these areas of Delhi: Anand Vihar 460, Bawana 455, Narela 445, Vivek Vihar 452, Punjabi Bagh 440, Ashok Vihar 448, and the ITO area 450. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to implement the third phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.
GRAP-3 is implemented in Delhi-NCR when the average AQI in the region reaches above 400. This level is considered “severe,” making the air unfit for breathing. Under this stage, the government and administration must impose several strict restrictions aimed at reducing the amount of dust, smoke, and toxic particles in the air.
Experts warn
According to environmental scientists, levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air are several times higher than safe limits. This condition can aggravate respiratory and lung diseases, double the risk for asthma and heart patients, and have serious and potentially fatal effects on children and the elderly. Doctors have advised people to avoid morning and evening exercise or running in the open, wear N-95 masks if they must go out, and use air purifiers at home.
AQI crosses 450 in these areas
According to the latest report released by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality in most parts of the capital has reached the ‘severe’ category. In many areas, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded above 450, which is considered extremely hazardous for breathing. The AQI in Bawana was 465, Mundka 464, Wazirpur 462, Punjabi Bagh 460, Nehru Nagar 456, and ITO 452. In these areas, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the air were found to be several times higher than the safe limit, increasing the risk of lung and heart diseases. In contrast, the situation was relatively better in some selected areas of Delhi. Lodhi Road: AQI 293 (moderate to poor category) NSIT Dwarka: AQI 240 (moderate category) Although the air quality here is slightly better, it is still far from the healthy level (0-50).
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