Delhi’s air quality saw a minor positive shift on Friday morning, though pollution levels continue to be classified as ‘very poor’. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 370 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a slight improvement from the 391 AQI measured the previous afternoon. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III remains in effect to combat the persistent smog.
Despite this marginal recovery, many areas in the national capital are still experiencing unhealthy air. At IGI Airport T3, the AQI was 307, while ITO registered 378 and Punjabi Bagh reported 379. Other affected regions include Najafgarh (350), North Campus DU (385), Aya Nagar (340), and CRRI Mathura Road (370). The thick haze was visible over prominent landmarks, highlighting the widespread pollution.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by specific areas falling into the ‘severe’ category. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 418, Ashok Vihar at 411, and Rohini and RK Puram experienced extremely high levels at 424 and 401, respectively. These readings indicate hazardous air quality in these parts of Delhi.
An AQI of 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’. Thursday had seen Delhi shrouded in smog, with an average AQI near 399, mirroring Wednesday’s around 392.
Judicial interventions have been swift. The Delhi High Court has suggested halting outdoor sports for schoolchildren during the winter months to safeguard their health. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, has ordered the payment of subsistence allowances to construction workers affected by the GRAP-III suspension and mandated monthly reviews of pollution control measures by states.