Delhi air quality degrades to 'very poor’ category with AQI recorded at 302

On Saturday, the average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 248 and is likely to dip to ‘Very Poor’ category (DELHI AQI- 3O1-4OO) in coming days.

The overall air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 302 on Sunday afternoon as compared to 266 in the morning.

The air quality in the national capital on Friday morning was recorded in the 'moderate' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 149. (HT File Photo for representation)

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI around Delhi University was recorded at 330 (very poor) at noon, while Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal T3 was at 313 against 276 in the morning hours.

In the morning, AQI at India Gate was recorded at 266. Anand Vihar breached the very poor category with an AQI of 345, ITO recorded AQI of 309, New Moti Bagh with an AQI of 360, while Dwarka Sector-8 recorded an AQI of 313.

Meanwhile, Noida recorded an AQI of 290 and Gurugram 152. The air quality in the national capital on Friday was recorded in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 149.

On Saturday, the average AQI in Delhi stood at 248. It is likely to dip to ‘Very Poor’ category (AQI- 3O1-4OO) in coming days owing to unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions.

Owing to the situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)'s sub-committee has invoked the 11-point action plan as per Stage-II of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital region. Under GRAP-2 restrictions, there will be a ban on the use of coal and wood-fired stoves, the frequency of CNG and electric buses will be increased, regular cleaning of roads and a sprinkling of water will be done, traffic police will ensure there are no traffic jams to curb the pollution.

The decision was taken after the sub-committee took stock of the air quality scenario and air quality forecasts for Delhi made by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a statement.

GRAP categorises actions into four stages: Stage I – 'Poor' (AQI 201-300); Stage II – 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III – 'Severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – 'Severe Plus' (AQI >450).

(With inputs from agencies)