Air pollution levels in Delhi and its neighbouring areas have shown a marginal improvement overnight, reportedly due to a relatively better wind speed, though the overall air quality continues to remain in the ‘severe’ category on Saturday morning. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Saturday morning was recorded at 413 while it was 468 on Friday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Meanwhile, the concentration of poisonous PM 2.5 is still over 80 times higher than the healthy limit as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Delhi-NCR areas have also witnessed deteriorating air quality with AQI dipping to the ‘severe’ category in many areas. Faridabad recorded an AQI of 460 while AQI in Noida stood at 440, and Greater Noida at 494. However, Gurugram AQI has been recorded at 367 stating the ‘very poor’ category.

Many areas across Delhi-NCR witnessed a thick layer of haze on Saturday morning.

“Morning visuals from Anand Vihar as the AQI in the area stands at 448, in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),” the news agency ANI tweeted sharing visuals from the Anand Vihar area.

#WATCH | Delhi: Morning visuals from Anand Vihar as the AQI in the area stands at 448, in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). pic.twitter.com/tBs1YWaY3n

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023

The visuals from the Signature Bridge also showed a thick layer of haze in the air.

#WATCH | Delhi | ANI drone camera footage from the Signature Bridge shows a thick layer of haze in the air. Visuals shot at 7:45 am today.

The air quality in Delhi continues to be in 'Severe' category as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). pic.twitter.com/2VlcdHUVA1— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023

The air quality in the national capital has been deteriorating for the last few days due to multiple factors, including the decline in temperatures, calm winds, and a surge in stubble burning in Punjab, UP and Haryana.

In view of the deteriorating air conditions in Delhi, the Delhi government has invoked stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes the deployment of anti-smog guns and re-launching of the ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ campaign, among other measures.

On the other hand, the Central government’s pollution control panel implemented the GRAP III on Thursday, directing a complete halt on non-essential construction work, stone crushing and mining in Delhi-NCR. Under the GRAP stage III, restrictions are also imposed on the BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar areas.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)