Last Updated:November 19, 2024, 10:37 IST
The overall AQI remained in the ‘Severe Plus’ category as most of the air monitoring systems in Delhi touched the 500 mark.
Truck-mounted water sprinklers used to combat air pollution in Delhi | Image/File (PTI)
A dense fog engulfed Delhi on Tuesday morning as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 494, the season’s highest, prompting the schools and Delhi University colleges to go for online mode.
The overall AQI remained in the ‘Severe Plus’ category as most of the air monitoring systems in the national capital and surrounding areas reached “alarmingly high” levels, touching the 500 mark.
The air quality index (AQI) of Delhi’s Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Major Dhyan Chand Stadium and several other places was recorded at 500 at 5 am on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
#WATCH | Delhi remains shrouded in a thick layer of smog as the air quality in the city continues to be in ‘Severe’ category, as per Central Pollution Control Board. Visuals from Bhikaji Cama Place and surrounding areas.(Drone visuals shot at 7:20 am today) pic.twitter.com/XecWSh5BeI
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, 401 and 500 ‘severe’ and above 500 ‘severe plus’.
In view of the deteriorating air quality, schools have been either suspended or shifted to online in the National Capital Region as well.
Haryana’s Gurugram has suspended all classes up to Grade 12 from November 19 to November 23, or until further notice. In Ghaziabad, where the AQI reached 450, schools have been instructed to shift to online learning. Similarly, the district administration in Gautam Buddh Nagar has ordered schools to halt all in-person classes.
Trains, Flights Delayed
As thick fog enveloping the national capital lowered visibility, several trains and flights have been delayed or cancelled. At least 22 trains were delayed and nine others were cancelled on Tuesday morning, reported news agency ANI.
IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory and said, “Foggy weather in Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh is affecting travel conditions, including slow-moving traffic and possible changes to flight operations. Please plan accordingly and stay updated on the flight status for a smooth journey.”
#6ETravelAdvisory : Foggy weather in Delhi, Amritsar & Chandigarh is affecting travel conditions, including slow-moving traffic and possible changes to flight operations. Please plan accordingly and stay updated on the flight status for a smooth journey https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 18, 2024
Centre Issues Advisory
The Union health secretary issued an updated advisory to states and union territories regarding air pollution on Monday, directing them to strengthen existing health systems and raise awareness among vulnerable groups and at-risk occupations.
The advisory suggests developing detailed action plans at the district and city levels to address climate change’s health impacts, including strategies to combat air pollution.
GRAP-IV Curbs Imposed
The latest readings come amid the enforcement of stringent anti-pollution measures in the national capital under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
These measures stipulate that no trucks will be permitted to enter Delhi unless they are carrying essential goods or using clean fuel, such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power.
All construction activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and other public projects, have been suspended.
As strict norms are in place, the government in the national capital could also implement odd-even vehicle rules, a traffic management system where vehicles are allowed on the roads based on the last digit of their registration number.
