Delhi's air turns "severe" before Diwali
The capital's average AQI crossed 450 this week, and stricter GRAP-II curbs are now in force across the NCR.
- AQI 451 in Delhi on 3 Nov (CPCB)
- Above 400 = "severe"
- GRAP Stage II active across NCR
What happened
Delhi's air quality index hit 451 on Tuesday morning, according to Central Pollution Control Board data reported by ANI. Areas like Rohini, Punjabi Bagh and Bawana were in the 'severe' band, and most of the city was 'very poor'.
Later in the week, readings in parts of the NCR such as Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad were reported above 600.
What changes
The Commission for Air Quality Management has put Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in force across the NCR. That means daily mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on busy roads, tighter checks at construction sites and vehicle checks at the borders.
What it means for you
If you live in or are travelling to Delhi-NCR, an N95 mask, limiting early-morning outdoor exercise and keeping windows shut on the worst days all help. Diwali firecrackers usually make the following days worse.
