Delhi AQI Today: Air quality index level drops; city records season's lowest temperature
Delhi AQI Today: The Delhi Police directed social media and e-commerce platforms to immediately cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) amid rising air pollution levels.
On Thursday, November 21, Delhi's air quality slipped into the 'very poor' category from 'severe' as the AQI level reached between 300 and 400 in some areas. However, many areas are still at over 400 AQI levels. Meanwhile, the government is trying to curb the pollution by taking several steps.
Images: PTI, ANI
Areas with AQI over 400 level
The AQI level remained between 400 and 500 in some areas, including Alipur (408), Anand Vihar (405), Ashok Vihar (414), Bawana (418), Dwarka Sector 8 (401), Jahangirpuri (435), and Punjabi Bagh (407).
Areas where AQI level remained between 300-400
Aya Nagar (369), Chandni Chowk (339), Mathura Road (343), Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (368), IGI Airport (370), Dilshad Garden (341) and others.
AQI levels
An AQI is considered "poor" between '200 and 300', "very poor" at '301 and 400', "severe" at '401-450," and 450 and above is "severe plus."
GRAP
The Delhi government last week implemented stringent measures to curb pollution under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), in addition to the actions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 -- which were invoked on October 15 and October 22 respectively.
Ban on firecrackers
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Delhi government as to how the ban on bursting firecrackers in the national capital to curb air pollution was flouted during Diwali celebrations.
Police ask e-commerce platforms to stop online sale of firecrackers
The Delhi Police directed social media and e-commerce platforms to immediately cease the online sale and delivery of firecrackers within the National Capital Territory (NCT) amid rising air pollution levels.
GRAP IV
The GRAP IV has been in effect since 8:00 AM on November 18, in response to deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR.
Work-from-home policy
Due to increased pollution levels, the Delhi government has also implemented 'work from home'.
Office timings for govt employees
In response to worsening air pollution, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena issued a directive on Tuesday to all government workers to work at staggered hours.
Revised GRAP IV
According to the revisions, it will now be mandatory for NCR states to discontinue physical classes up to Class V under GRAP Stage III and up to Class XII under GRAP Stage IV. This marks a significant policy shift, removing the discretionary power previously held by state governments.
Delhi temperature
The capital recorded the season's lowest temperature on Thursday morning. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.2 degree Celsius, 2.1 notch below the season's average, the India Meteorological Department said.