AQI Crisis Deepens in Delhi: Truck Entry Banned, Schools Closed for Most Classes
New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital worsened further today, posing a severe health crisis. As of 7:00 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at a hazardous level of 669 in RK Puram and 633 in Srinivaspuri. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), several other areas in Delhi-NCR also reported AQI in the severe category.
In response to the deteriorating situation, CAQM held an emergency meeting yesterday and implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from 8:00 AM Monday. This stringent eight-point action plan aims to curb pollution and mitigate its impact.
AQI Readings Across Delhi-NCR:
RK Puram: 669
Srinivaspuri: 633
Anand Vihar: 624
Patparganj: 622
Pusa: 619
Okhla: 608
Sri Aurobindo Marg: 617
Noida Sector-62: 521
Noida Sector-125: 256
Noida Sector-1: 260
Measures Under GRAP-4:
Ban on Construction Activities: All construction and demolition activities are halted, including linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, and pipelines.
Truck Entry Restrictions:
Entry of trucks into Delhi is prohibited, except for those carrying essential goods, CNG trucks, electric vehicles, and BS-IV diesel trucks.
Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, except CNG and EVs, are also barred.
School Closures: Classes up to grade 9 are shifted online. Schools for grades 10 and 12 will remain open.
Vehicle Restrictions: Odd-even vehicle rationing may be implemented to limit traffic emissions.
Severity of the Crisis:
Delhi-NCR recorded an AQI of 462 in several areas by 8:00 PM on Sunday, indicating a sharp escalation in pollution levels. Authorities have recommended shifting schools to online modes and enforcing stricter traffic regulations.
This urgent intervention underscores the critical air quality challenge facing Delhi, with experts warning residents to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.
