Delhi’s air quality enters ‘severe’ category (air quality ) 

New Delhi: The air quality     (air quality )   in the national capital Delhi and surrounding areas has once again become highly toxic. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 390, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. The pollution levels were even worse in several areas of Delhi-NCR, where the AQI crossed the 400 mark. An AQI of 431 was recorded in Patparganj, while it was 400 in Shivaji Park. Nehru Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 442, followed by Shadipur at 429, Siri Fort at 402, and RK Puram at 412. Considering the severity of the situation, the Delhi government has made two restrictions under GRAP-4 permanent.

Authorities are continuously monitoring to combat pollution
Even on Saturday morning, the air in Delhi was still highly polluted, with the AQI exceeding 300 in many places, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation to combat pollution. The ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule is being strictly enforced. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented Stage-3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a ban on construction activities and some industrial activities. Officials say that in ‘very poor’ air quality, people, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, should avoid spending too much time outdoors and should wear masks.

Delhi government makes 2 GRAP-4 restrictions permanent
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday that two restrictions under GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR will now be permanent. He said that until further orders, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be given petrol. He said, “From now on, it has been decided that we have made two of the restrictions under GRAP-4 permanent. First, until further notice, you will not get petrol anywhere without a PUCC certificate. Second, vehicles coming into Delhi from outside the city that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission standards will also be banned.”