Delhi’s Air Quality Continues to be Very Poor...

AQI stands at 321…

The Air quality index of the capital city has been turning worse, whereas nearby NCR regions are under the same scenario too.

The AQI in Delhi stood at 321. Despite several measures taken by the Arvind Kejriwal government, the air quality in the national capital continues to remain in the “very poor” category, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 321 on Tuesday morning. 

The air quality in areas adjoining Delhi was also recorded in the very poor category this morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data.

The air quality in Delhi slipped into the "severe" category on Thursday, according to SAFAR data. However, in view of visible improvement in the air quality, the Delhi government on Monday decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of its staff to work from home.

The transport department, in an order, said the vehicles found plying in violation of the rule will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of Rs 20,000. Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work are exempted.

According to the statement given by Gopal Rai,  curbs under stage 3 of GRAP will remain in force. Private construction and demolition will remain banned in Delhi, he said. Rai added that 500 additional buses will be run in the capital under the "Paryavaran Bus Sewa" campaign to bolster public transport.

The GRAP classifies the air quality in Delhi-NCR under four different stages: Stage 1 - 'poor' (AQI 201-300); stage 2 - 'very poor' (AQI 301-400); stage 3 - 'severe' (AQI 401-450); and stage 4 - 'severe plus' (AQI >450). Farm fires in Punjab rebounded -- 2,487 incidents were reported on Monday as compared to 599 a day ago.